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Hey, hey, hey, hey,slow it down.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.
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Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin.
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Dear Lieutenant and Mrs. Franks.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peterson.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lupo.
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I'm sure you've never received a letter of this nature before,
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and I'm also quite sure you'll be surprised
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by the circumstances under which I'm writing it.
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My name is Alex Chivescu, and I'm a junior,
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soon to be a senior at Eagle Creek High School
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in Rochester Hills.
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My parents moved to Michigan to go to college here,
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they divorced when I was 2 years old
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and I have not heard from my father since.
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My mother is a nurturing and caring person
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who inspired my love of learning.
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This paper saysyou're a Doctor.
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Well sort of, this is morethan a piece of paper Alex,
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this is why I cameto this country.
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It's why I've studiedso hard.
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Education is like a magic keyto open any door,
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with it anything is possible.
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Can I go to a schoollike this someday too?
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Absolutely, absolutely.
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You're education is goingto be even better than mine,
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you'll go to a great universitylike Harvard.
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Is Harvard the best?
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The very best.
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Then that's where I'll go.
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You'll have to work hard.
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I will, I promise.
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You'll see.
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You make me so proud.
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So proud.
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Perfect, what do you think?
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I think I want one too.
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You can get a headstart on that,
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you do your homeworkwhile I make us some dinner.
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Okay.
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Okay.
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You hungry?
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Yes, I'm starving.
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Good.
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Um, my teacher said you wantedto see me Mrs. Thomas?ing.
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Yes Alex, you know yourmother's friend Miss Carson?
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Hi Miss Carson.
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Hi Alex, why don'tyou have a seat?
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Alex, I'm sorry to have to bethe one to tell you this,
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you're mom's beenin a car accident.
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She's in the hospital.
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But she's got good doctorstaking car of her
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and I'm sure she'sgoing to be fine.
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Can I see her?
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Can I go in?
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Not yet, hun.
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They'll be moving herto a regular room
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in a couple of days and youcan talk to her then, okay?
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In she going to be okay?
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She's going to be fine.
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Come on, in you get.
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You know, Alex, we can visityour mom as much as you want
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once she's out ofintensive care.
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Would you like that?
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Okay, goodnight.
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I'll see youin the morning.
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Miss Carson?
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Yeah?
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Could you leave a light on,please?
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Of course I can, honey.
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It's going to be okay, Alex,you'll see.
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Okay, I bought some groceries,made soup and casseroles;
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you won't have to cookfor a while.
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Oh, thanks Ellen,you've been so helpful,
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especially with Alex.
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Here, have a seat.
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Alright.
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Would you like me to staywith you and Alex tonight?
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No, we're fine.
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You sure?
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It's okay.
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You be a good boy and takecar of your mom.
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It's okay.I will.
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You know what?
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I'm going to make yousome tea before I go.
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Want to help me, Alex?
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Sure.
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My mother suffered a serious head injury
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from a car accident and developed Bi-Polar Disorder.
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When she was on her medication she was able to work
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as a professor and things were mostly normal.
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But the medication had harsh side effects.
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The drugs made it harder for her to think clearly.
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Mom, I'm home.
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She hated that so she stopped taking them.
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Mom?
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Then she spiraled down, couldn't work,
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and became neglectful and abusive.
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Then she spiraled down,Mom, I got my report card.
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Are you okay?
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I have a headache Alex,leave me alone.
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Okay.
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I'll leave it here so you Alex,can sign it later.lone.
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Have a seat, Alex.
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Your mom had to go backto the hospital.
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What?
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What happened?
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She just had a little setback,
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but the doctors are takingreally good care of her
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and she'll be homeas soon as possible.
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Now this is Mrs. Edenger.
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Hi.
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Hello Alex,nice to meet you.
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Nice to meet you too.
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I'm from Child ProtectiveServices.
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Do you know what that is?
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Well, we find nice peopleto take care of children
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when their parents can't.
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So while your momis in the hospital
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you'll stay with a familythat lives near here.
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Why can't I staywith Miss Carson?
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Well, she won't be ableto take care of you
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Why can't I sfor as long as yourwith Miss Carmom is going to be
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in the hospital this time.
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See this isn't so bad.
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Please don't make mestay here.
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It's just for a few weeks untilyour mom gets better, okay?
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Please don't make me!
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Alex, I need you to bea big boy.
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Let's just sit downright here.
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I've got to go talkto your foster mom.
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Maybe you can unpackyour suitcase.
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I'll come check on yousometime next week, okay?
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It's going to be okay,Alex.
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When my mother was taken away from me
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I felt alone, abandoned,
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and I was terrified that I would never see her again.
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I will never forget the first time
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I was put in a strange home with people I didn't' know.
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Days felt like weeks,
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a month without my mom felt like a lifetime.
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Mom!
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Please don't leave meagain mom.
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Please!
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I'll try not to.
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I'll do my best,okay?
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There were times when my mother returned from the hospital
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that I thought I had my life back,
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but it never lasted for long.
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Mom come on,it's Christmas!
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Mom come on!
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Mom!
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Mom?
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Can you leave mealone please?
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But it's Christmas mom.
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I have a present for you.
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I made it myself.
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Please not now.
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My mother struggled constantly with the symptoms
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of her condition
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and the harsh side effects of the drugs she had to take.
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Even when I was home with my mom
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it often felt like she wasn't really there.
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Mom.
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Mom?
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Can't you see I'm lookingfor a job?
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I need some lunch money.
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Your lunch is supposedto be free.
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You didn't fill out that paperI brought home from school.
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I can't get free lunchuntil you do that.
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I'll do it later.
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What about lunch today?
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There!
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That's all I can do!
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I don't have a job,I don't have money!
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There was never enough money,
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and I always worried that we'd have enough food
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or that my mom would be able to pay our rent.
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It wasn't easy, but I learned to fend for myself.
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Open this door!
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Do you hear me?
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This is what I get for taking care of you
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and feeding you, devoting my life to you?!
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I pay the rent here!
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You open this door right now!
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I'm going to kick it in, Alex.
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If you don't open this door right now
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you're going to be so sorry!
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Hey!
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you'[pounding on door]sorry!
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Hey, what's going on in there?
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What?
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Look lady, how many times doI have to come down here?
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If you don't keep it downI'm going to call the police.
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You don't have to do this,let me go back to my apartment.
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I'll--I'll calm down,I'll be fine, okay?
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Just let me...
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I don't want to go,I--I--I can't do this.
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I'll be okay.
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Oh, there's my son,don't put in front of him.
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My mother was taken away from me many times,
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sometimes my mom was taken away for weeks,
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other times for months.
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She'd be hospitalized and put on medication
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and I'd end up living with strangers again.
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After a while she'd return to stability
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and I'd be placed back in her care,
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but it always felt precarious.
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I lived in fear
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because I knew a life with my mother could never last,
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before long she'd go off her medication
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and everything would fall apart again.
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I felt bad for my mom
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because she couldn't take care of herself
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let alone take care of me.
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When I was 16
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I left my latest foster home
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and returned to live with my mother.
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Fortunately for me our apartment was located
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in the Eagle Creek High School district,
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one of the best in the State.
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It wasn't easy coming in as a junior
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after the semester had already started.
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Your transcript is certainlyimpressive, Alex;
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I mean, one point below aperfect score on your ACT.
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Wow!
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I mean, considering how manyschools you've attended
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your GPA is especiallyremarkable.
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Yeah, I ah, I moved a lot.
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Well, you keep this upand you're well onyour way to getting
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into a top school.
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Any idea where you'dlike to go?
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Harvard.
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Any idea where you'dlike to go?Harvard.
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Well, that's a lofty goal,but one I think you can reach.
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Now, look, you're going to haveto keep up your grades.
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I will.
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I made a promise.
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Okay then.
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I'll do my best to help youkeep that promise.
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That needs to bemuch better.Okay then.
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This is a nice start.
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Exceptional work, Alex.
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You need up buck up.
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He got an A.
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All right people listen up;
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the midterm assignment for thissemester is a 50-page paper
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on an aspect about governmentthat you will choose.
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Okay, okay, don't worry.
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You can work in groups of up to three people.
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Hey, new kid.
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Nice work in Rowe's class.
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That guy never gives an A.
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Yeah, it's like his thing.
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An A represents perfection,
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and I've never seena perfect paper.
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I'm Lucy, this is Danny.
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Alex.
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We were wonderingif you wanted to work
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on the midterm with us?
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Really?
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Yeah, I mean Danny here isa straight C student
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so he'll be tons of help.
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Hey, you shouldtalk Picasso.
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All she cares aboutis art and poetry.
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Hey, you shouldSocial studies isn't her thing.
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You can see what you'd begetting yourself into.
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I mean neither one of usis a brain like you.
269
00:15:14,416 --> 00:15:17,083
Not a problem, when doyou want to start?
270
00:15:17,166 --> 00:15:20,125
Do you want to meet at my houseon Saturday, 10:00?ke you.
271
00:15:20,166 --> 00:15:21,041
10:00?
272
00:15:21,083 --> 00:15:23,041
You know I sleep 'till noonon Saturdays.
273
00:15:23,083 --> 00:15:24,291
Fine, 11:00.
274
00:15:24,333 --> 00:15:25,208
Alex?
275
00:15:25,250 --> 00:15:26,333
Sounds good.
276
00:15:26,375 --> 00:15:28,541
Okay, but I'm going to be ina coma for the first hour.
277
00:15:28,541 --> 00:15:30,875
You're always in a coma.
278
00:15:30,958 --> 00:15:33,541
Eagle Creek High became everything to me.
279
00:15:33,625 --> 00:15:35,208
I immersed myself in studies
280
00:15:35,250 --> 00:15:38,541
and found compassion and support from my new friends.
281
00:15:38,583 --> 00:15:45,208
When chaos reigned at home, school became a refuge for me.
282
00:16:01,166 --> 00:16:02,333
Mom?
283
00:16:02,375 --> 00:16:03,041
What are you doing?
284
00:16:03,083 --> 00:16:04,375
I'm sick of these medications,
285
00:16:04,458 --> 00:16:06,416
the side effects aremaking me worse!
286
00:16:06,458 --> 00:16:09,500
I can't focus, my-my headis throbbing.
287
00:16:09,541 --> 00:16:10,750
I can't think!
288
00:16:10,791 --> 00:16:11,583
Stop it.
289
00:16:11,625 --> 00:16:12,750
Please!
290
00:16:12,750 --> 00:16:13,625
Mom!
291
00:16:13,708 --> 00:16:14,750
It hurts!Please!
292
00:16:14,791 --> 00:16:15,791
But you know what happenswhen you stop taking them!
293
00:16:15,833 --> 00:16:18,208
I don't care anymore!
294
00:16:51,208 --> 00:16:52,375
We really lucked outwith you Alex,
295
00:16:52,416 --> 00:16:54,208
we might actually doalright on this paper.
296
00:16:54,291 --> 00:16:55,666
We're going to get an A.
297
00:16:55,708 --> 00:16:57,541
You sound pretty sureof yourself.
298
00:16:57,583 --> 00:16:58,875
We have to;
299
00:16:58,916 --> 00:17:01,166
I've got to maintain a 4.0to have any chance
300
00:17:01,208 --> 00:17:02,833
at getting into Harvard.
301
00:17:02,875 --> 00:17:03,833
Harvard?
302
00:17:03,875 --> 00:17:05,250
Right and I'm goingto play shortstop
303
00:17:05,291 --> 00:17:06,541
for the Detroit Tigers.
304
00:17:06,583 --> 00:17:08,333
So you think I'm delusional?
305
00:17:08,375 --> 00:17:09,625
Yeah.
306
00:17:09,708 --> 00:17:10,750
I don't.
307
00:17:10,750 --> 00:17:13,833
I'm 1,000 percent positiveyou can do it.
308
00:17:22,125 --> 00:17:23,333
Mom?n't.
309
00:17:23,375 --> 00:17:24,875
I'm Home!
310
00:17:42,375 --> 00:17:44,708
Mom there's no food!
311
00:18:36,208 --> 00:18:37,083
I'm gonna get going,
312
00:18:37,125 --> 00:18:40,666
my mom and I are goingto an art show.
313
00:18:40,708 --> 00:18:44,291
Whoa, check this out,crazy lady 9:00.
314
00:18:44,375 --> 00:18:45,500
Alex!
315
00:18:45,541 --> 00:18:47,083
What are you doing here?
316
00:18:47,166 --> 00:18:48,208
You should be home!
317
00:18:48,291 --> 00:18:49,500
I've been looking everywherefor you!
318
00:18:49,541 --> 00:18:51,083
Why do I have to trackyou down?
319
00:18:51,083 --> 00:18:54,041
I had to come all the wayover here, why?
320
00:18:54,083 --> 00:18:55,000
Why do I have to trackyou down?Calm down.
321
00:18:55,041 --> 00:18:56,166
You don't tell me whatclasses you're taking
322
00:18:56,208 --> 00:18:58,125
or what you're doingafter school!
323
00:18:58,208 --> 00:18:58,958
Nothing!
324
00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:00,375
Mom, don't do this to me,please!
325
00:19:00,416 --> 00:19:02,500
Don't you dare tell me whatto do, I'm your mother.
326
00:19:02,541 --> 00:19:04,041
You respect me!
327
00:19:04,083 --> 00:19:05,541
Ah, excuse me, Mrs. Nistor?
328
00:19:05,541 --> 00:19:08,041
Ah, did you stop by the officeand get a visitor's pass?
329
00:19:08,041 --> 00:19:09,250
What?
330
00:19:09,291 --> 00:19:10,041
Ah, did you stop by the officeand get a visitNo.s pass?
331
00:19:10,083 --> 00:19:13,000
I'm sorry, it's school policy.
332
00:19:13,041 --> 00:19:14,708
Wanna come with me?
333
00:19:34,666 --> 00:19:35,875
Alex, wait!
334
00:19:35,875 --> 00:19:36,750
Leave me alone!
335
00:19:36,833 --> 00:19:38,875
Alex, please canyou talk to me?
336
00:19:38,958 --> 00:19:40,208
There's nothingto talk about!
337
00:19:40,208 --> 00:19:43,041
My mom is crazy, okay?
338
00:19:43,125 --> 00:19:44,833
Well, what's wrong with her?
339
00:19:44,875 --> 00:19:48,500
Well, she's sick,and she can't help it.
340
00:19:48,541 --> 00:19:52,500
We can't afford insurance soshe can't get good treatment.
341
00:19:52,541 --> 00:19:53,833
They hospitalize herwhen it's a crisis
342
00:19:53,875 --> 00:19:57,958
and when she's on her ownshe just can't cope.
343
00:19:59,541 --> 00:20:02,291
If you knew what sheused to be like
344
00:20:02,375 --> 00:20:05,375
before she got sick.
345
00:20:05,416 --> 00:20:07,875
She has a PHD;
346
00:20:07,875 --> 00:20:12,958
it kills her when her mindcan't function the way it did.
347
00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:17,291
That must be really hardfor her, and you.
348
00:20:17,333 --> 00:20:19,125
I think I know whatyou're going through.
349
00:20:19,208 --> 00:20:22,208
Oh, I doubt that.
350
00:20:22,291 --> 00:20:25,583
My father's arecovering alcoholic.
351
00:20:25,666 --> 00:20:29,166
Before he got sober he wascompletely unpredictable.
352
00:20:29,208 --> 00:20:30,708
Sorry Lucy, I had no idea.
353
00:20:30,750 --> 00:20:31,708
It's okay, he's good.
354
00:20:31,750 --> 00:20:34,541
He's in a program andhe's doing really great.
355
00:20:34,625 --> 00:20:40,375
He's my dad again.
356
00:20:40,458 --> 00:20:43,208
What are you going to doabout your mom?
357
00:20:43,250 --> 00:20:44,375
I don't know.
358
00:20:44,416 --> 00:20:51,208
I mean, I want to save her,but I don't know how.
359
00:20:51,208 --> 00:20:53,041
Sound pretty stupid,huh?
360
00:20:53,083 --> 00:20:56,500
No, it sounds heroic.
361
00:21:06,750 --> 00:21:07,708
What happened?
362
00:21:07,750 --> 00:21:10,500
I'm sorry Alex, your mothercouldn't pay the rent.
363
00:21:10,541 --> 00:21:12,541
You've been evicted.
364
00:21:13,583 --> 00:21:14,375
Where is she?
365
00:21:14,416 --> 00:21:15,750
Hospitalized.
366
00:21:15,833 --> 00:21:17,583
She went off her meds again!!
367
00:21:17,625 --> 00:21:19,250
I told her she's gotto keep taking them
368
00:21:19,333 --> 00:21:20,083
but she won't listen.
369
00:21:20,166 --> 00:21:22,166
I found an emergencyfoster home for you.
370
00:21:22,208 --> 00:21:23,416
Great, my fourth!
371
00:21:23,500 --> 00:21:25,125
Well, hopefully your mom willstabilize in a couple of weeks.
372
00:21:25,208 --> 00:21:26,208
Aww, what's the point?
373
00:21:26,208 --> 00:21:28,041
She'll just go off her meds,go crazy and wind up
374
00:21:28,125 --> 00:21:29,083
right back in the hospital!
375
00:21:29,083 --> 00:21:30,416
I understand how frustratedyou must be.
376
00:21:30,500 --> 00:21:31,208
right back iNo, you don't'!
377
00:21:31,250 --> 00:21:34,416
Yes, I do!
378
00:21:34,458 --> 00:21:36,500
Now, I've made arrangementsfor someone to come
379
00:21:36,541 --> 00:21:39,541
and take theseinto storage, okay?
380
00:21:39,625 --> 00:21:41,041
Just pick out a couple thingsthat you need
381
00:21:41,125 --> 00:21:44,750
and I will take you toyour foster placement.
382
00:21:50,375 --> 00:21:54,750
My mom was always being taken away from me.
383
00:21:54,791 --> 00:21:57,541
And while my social worker helped keep me fed,
384
00:21:57,625 --> 00:21:59,416
clothed and sheltered,
385
00:21:59,458 --> 00:22:03,416
the cycle of instability started to take a toll.
386
00:22:06,500 --> 00:22:10,375
For six years I had been in and out of foster homes,
387
00:22:10,416 --> 00:22:14,666
my mom in and out of hospitals.
388
00:22:14,708 --> 00:22:17,583
I kept telling myself that someday she'd get better,
389
00:22:17,625 --> 00:22:21,541
be like her old self again and stay that way,
390
00:22:21,625 --> 00:22:24,333
but I finally had to face reality;
391
00:22:24,375 --> 00:22:28,250
it just wasn't going to happen.
392
00:22:28,250 --> 00:22:30,083
If anything was going to change
393
00:22:30,083 --> 00:22:33,416
it would be up to me to change it.
394
00:22:33,500 --> 00:22:36,000
IfI just, I can't take itanymore.hange
395
00:22:36,041 --> 00:22:40,541
The depression, the rants,the constant uncertainty.
396
00:22:40,625 --> 00:22:44,666
Nobody should haveto live like that.
397
00:22:44,708 --> 00:22:46,583
What exactly are youasking, Alex?
398
00:22:46,666 --> 00:22:50,708
I'm asking to terminatemy mom's parental rights.
399
00:22:50,750 --> 00:22:54,375
I have the right dothat now, I'm 16.
400
00:22:54,416 --> 00:22:57,208
Do you fully understandwhat that means?
401
00:22:57,250 --> 00:23:00,875
Means I don't have to be afraidof her hurting herself anymore.
402
00:23:00,916 --> 00:23:03,125
Or me.
403
00:23:03,166 --> 00:23:05,708
It doesn't meanI don't love her.
404
00:23:10,041 --> 00:23:11,208
Let's begin.
405
00:23:11,208 --> 00:23:15,916
Alex, these attorneys are hererepresenting your mother.
406
00:23:15,916 --> 00:23:17,625
The court doesn't allow herto be present
407
00:23:17,666 --> 00:23:18,666
Alex, these attorneys are hererepresentiduring your testimony
408
00:23:18,708 --> 00:23:23,166
so that you may speakfreely and honestly.
409
00:23:23,208 --> 00:23:26,875
Do you understand?
410
00:23:26,916 --> 00:23:28,708
Very well, let's proceed.
411
00:23:28,750 --> 00:23:32,041
Alex, explain to Judge Bradywhy it is
412
00:23:32,083 --> 00:23:38,208
you want your mother'srights to be terminated.
413
00:23:38,291 --> 00:23:41,000
Please believe meYour Honor;
414
00:23:41,041 --> 00:23:45,125
this was the hardest decisionthat I've ever had to make.
415
00:23:45,208 --> 00:23:47,041
I love my mother;
416
00:23:47,041 --> 00:23:49,833
she was a role-modelfor me when I was little.
417
00:23:49,875 --> 00:23:53,333
I got my curiosity and loveof learning from her.
418
00:23:53,375 --> 00:23:55,000
But she's a verydifferent person now
419
00:23:55,041 --> 00:23:59,708
and if I'm put back in hercustody the circus will go on.
420
00:23:59,750 --> 00:24:00,875
The circus?
421
00:24:00,916 --> 00:24:03,500
The craziness.
422
00:24:03,541 --> 00:24:06,291
Being evictedfrom our apartment,
423
00:24:06,375 --> 00:24:08,208
not having enough food,
424
00:24:08,291 --> 00:24:10,791
police being called by neighborsbecause of her screaming,
425
00:24:10,833 --> 00:24:12,916
going in and outof foster homes.
426
00:24:12,916 --> 00:24:18,333
Do you understandwhat this means legally?
427
00:24:18,375 --> 00:24:20,583
going in and outYes, ma'am.omes.
428
00:24:20,666 --> 00:24:24,208
It means that accordingto the law
429
00:24:24,250 --> 00:24:27,208
I won't have a mother anymore.
430
00:24:48,416 --> 00:24:52,791
Alex, how could you do this?
431
00:25:03,083 --> 00:25:04,875
I'm sorry mom.
432
00:25:32,041 --> 00:25:36,666
Well, your mother's testimonydidn't help her case.
433
00:25:36,708 --> 00:25:40,791
The judge has grantedtermination of parental rights.
434
00:25:40,875 --> 00:25:42,541
You won.
435
00:25:42,583 --> 00:25:44,750
No, I didn't.
436
00:25:44,833 --> 00:25:47,375
Nobody won.
437
00:25:58,375 --> 00:25:59,833
You're 16 Alex,
438
00:25:59,875 --> 00:26:05,833
finding a permanent placementfor a teenager, I'm sorry.
439
00:26:05,875 --> 00:26:08,166
You'll be living here now.
440
00:26:08,208 --> 00:26:09,333
What about school?
441
00:26:09,375 --> 00:26:10,541
Well, you can stayat Eagle Creek.
442
00:26:10,625 --> 00:26:14,208
Umm, the orphanage has a driverwho will transport you
443
00:26:14,291 --> 00:26:18,041
and the school districtwill reimburse them.
444
00:26:18,083 --> 00:26:20,791
So I guess it's official now.
445
00:26:20,833 --> 00:26:22,208
What?
446
00:26:22,250 --> 00:26:26,125
I don't have a family anymore.
447
00:26:39,541 --> 00:26:43,875
Alright here's aninformation packet.
448
00:26:43,875 --> 00:26:47,291
As long as you accept all therules here you'll do just fine.
449
00:26:47,333 --> 00:26:48,375
Rules?
450
00:26:48,458 --> 00:26:52,291
There's no fighting, no loudmusic, lights out at 10:00.
451
00:26:52,375 --> 00:26:55,041
But I usually stay upstudying later than that.
452
00:26:55,083 --> 00:26:57,208
Well, you'll have to have yourhomework done by 10:00.
453
00:26:57,291 --> 00:27:01,541
I have five or six hoursof homework a night.
454
00:27:01,625 --> 00:27:05,708
Well, we could possiblymake an exception.
455
00:27:05,708 --> 00:27:06,500
Yes sir.
456
00:27:06,541 --> 00:27:07,875
Well, we could possiblymake an exception.Okay.
457
00:27:07,916 --> 00:27:11,208
It says here we're not allowedto have a checking account.
458
00:27:11,208 --> 00:27:12,125
That's correct.
459
00:27:12,208 --> 00:27:13,958
But I need mine so I havea safe place to keep
460
00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:15,666
what I earn from my jobat the bookstore.
461
00:27:15,708 --> 00:27:18,916
No, no, no, no, you're notallowed to have a job, son.
462
00:27:21,416 --> 00:27:24,916
I've never lived in aninstitution like this before.
463
00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:27,750
This is different for me,but maybe I'm different
464
00:27:27,791 --> 00:27:30,208
from the kids you'reused to dealing with.
465
00:27:30,250 --> 00:27:32,375
I work hard andI'm highly motivated,
466
00:27:32,375 --> 00:27:34,750
I'm saving moneyfor college.
467
00:27:34,791 --> 00:27:36,083
Don't you want kidsto come out of here
468
00:27:36,166 --> 00:27:37,541
and make somethingof themselves?
469
00:27:37,583 --> 00:27:41,375
That's what I'm tryingto do.
470
00:27:41,416 --> 00:27:44,041
Alright, but that doesnot mean you are free
471
00:27:44,083 --> 00:27:46,958
to come and go as you please.
472
00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:48,416
Okay.
473
00:27:48,458 --> 00:27:51,375
Oh, one more thing, doyou have a cell phone?
474
00:27:51,416 --> 00:27:52,541
Yes sir.
475
00:27:52,583 --> 00:27:55,250
Alright, hand it over, you'renot allowed to keep that.
476
00:27:55,333 --> 00:27:57,791
But I won't be able to stayin touch with my friends.
477
00:27:57,875 --> 00:28:01,166
Well, it's a security issue.
478
00:28:01,208 --> 00:28:03,375
Phone please.
479
00:28:22,958 --> 00:28:24,416
Hi,
480
00:28:26,875 --> 00:28:28,583
I'm Alex Chivescu.
481
00:28:28,666 --> 00:28:29,833
What kind of name is that?
482
00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:31,375
Romanian.
483
00:28:31,416 --> 00:28:36,083
But I was born hereso I'm American.
484
00:28:36,166 --> 00:28:38,125
Yeah, I was born here too,
485
00:28:38,166 --> 00:28:41,041
people still call me Mexican.
486
00:29:00,708 --> 00:29:02,875
Hey, hop in Alex.
487
00:29:02,958 --> 00:29:04,375
How do you knowmy name?
488
00:29:04,458 --> 00:29:06,708
Oh, I've heard all about you.
489
00:29:06,750 --> 00:29:08,125
You have?
490
00:29:08,208 --> 00:29:09,083
Hmm, let's just say
491
00:29:09,125 --> 00:29:10,958
you don't exactly fitthe profile around here
492
00:29:11,041 --> 00:29:13,666
you know what I'm saying?
493
00:29:16,791 --> 00:29:19,458
Listen this is a long driveto Eagle Creek.
494
00:29:19,541 --> 00:29:23,000
Why don't you hop up fronthere with me?
495
00:29:26,333 --> 00:29:28,833
Alright, buckle up,my man.
496
00:29:33,291 --> 00:29:35,375
By the way, I'm Henry.
497
00:29:41,875 --> 00:29:43,166
Can you let me out here?
498
00:29:43,208 --> 00:29:44,750
Well, we're notat your school yet.
499
00:29:44,833 --> 00:29:46,791
That's okay,this is good.
500
00:29:58,541 --> 00:30:02,541
Your friends don't knowwhere you're living, do they?
501
00:30:02,625 --> 00:30:03,875
No.
502
00:30:06,958 --> 00:30:09,875
Okay, well, I'll pick you backup here after then.
503
00:30:09,958 --> 00:30:12,541
That would be great,can you come at 5:00?
504
00:30:12,625 --> 00:30:14,125
Sure thing,5:00 it is.
505
00:30:14,208 --> 00:30:16,458
Thanks Henry.
506
00:30:23,666 --> 00:30:24,250
Wooo!!
507
00:30:24,291 --> 00:30:26,500
Check it out, we got an A.
508
00:30:26,541 --> 00:30:28,083
That's capital A baby!
509
00:30:28,166 --> 00:30:29,708
Thanks to Alex.
510
00:30:29,791 --> 00:30:30,875
We should celebrate.
511
00:30:30,875 --> 00:30:33,291
Do you guys want to cometo my house and order pizza?
512
00:30:33,375 --> 00:30:34,208
I can't.
513
00:30:34,291 --> 00:30:36,916
I have something to do.
514
00:30:37,000 --> 00:30:38,708
I'll catch you guys later.
515
00:30:38,750 --> 00:30:40,666
Later dude.
516
00:30:42,041 --> 00:30:44,250
Ahhhh, my first A!
517
00:30:44,333 --> 00:30:45,791
I love that guy.
518
00:30:45,875 --> 00:30:47,375
Oh god.
519
00:30:52,708 --> 00:30:55,666
Hey Henry, thanksfor picking me up.
520
00:31:07,208 --> 00:31:08,791
It's so stupid!
521
00:31:08,875 --> 00:31:09,666
I hate this crap.
522
00:31:09,708 --> 00:31:12,166
I mean, who caresabout x's and y's?
523
00:31:12,208 --> 00:31:15,750
What's the point?
524
00:31:15,791 --> 00:31:18,208
You know it's really not thathard once you get the basics.
525
00:31:18,250 --> 00:31:20,750
Yeah, well, I'm nevergonna get it!
526
00:31:23,875 --> 00:31:26,250
What, you win all these?
527
00:31:26,291 --> 00:31:28,000
Yeah.
528
00:31:28,041 --> 00:31:29,875
What's this one for?
529
00:31:29,916 --> 00:31:32,250
It's a National MerrittScholarship.
530
00:31:32,333 --> 00:31:33,416
And what's that?
531
00:31:33,500 --> 00:31:37,208
It means I get a scholarship for$2,500 when I go to college.
532
00:31:37,250 --> 00:31:40,041
2,500 bucks?
533
00:31:40,083 --> 00:31:40,958
What if you don't go?
534
00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:42,166
Do you get to keepthe money?
535
00:31:42,208 --> 00:31:45,583
No, but I'm definitelygoing to college.
536
00:31:45,625 --> 00:31:48,291
Man kids like us don't goto college.
537
00:31:48,333 --> 00:31:50,208
I will.
538
00:31:50,250 --> 00:31:51,458
My mom told mea long time ago
539
00:31:51,541 --> 00:31:57,000
that education was like a keythat could open any door.
540
00:31:57,041 --> 00:32:00,208
What are you some kindof brain?
541
00:32:00,250 --> 00:32:03,208
Yeah, I guess.
542
00:32:03,291 --> 00:32:06,916
I mean, I could help you.
543
00:32:06,958 --> 00:32:08,791
I tutor kids at schoolto make extra money,
544
00:32:08,875 --> 00:32:12,416
I'd tutor you for free.
545
00:32:12,500 --> 00:32:17,208
And why would you do that?
546
00:32:17,250 --> 00:32:20,333
Make sure I don'tbeat you up?
547
00:32:24,708 --> 00:32:27,208
Yo, I'm just messingwith you, man!
548
00:32:27,291 --> 00:32:29,208
Yo, I could tell youwas kinda scared!
549
00:32:29,250 --> 00:32:30,500
Yeah well.
550
00:32:30,541 --> 00:32:32,375
Hey man, I can'thave guys thinking
551
00:32:32,416 --> 00:32:35,666
I'm an easy target, you know?
552
00:32:35,708 --> 00:32:37,583
You wanna have a lookat that equation?
553
00:32:37,625 --> 00:32:38,708
Not really.
554
00:32:38,750 --> 00:32:41,208
Come on, I'll show you.
555
00:32:41,250 --> 00:32:44,583
Open it up.
556
00:32:44,666 --> 00:32:46,708
Where'd you start?
557
00:32:46,791 --> 00:32:50,708
It's right over here, right?
558
00:32:56,750 --> 00:32:59,375
Look what I ran across today,
559
00:32:59,375 --> 00:33:00,375
A Tale of Two Cities.
560
00:33:00,416 --> 00:33:01,333
Remember?
561
00:33:01,375 --> 00:33:04,041
You used to read this to mewhen I was little.
562
00:33:07,833 --> 00:33:09,541
"It was the best of times;
563
00:33:09,583 --> 00:33:12,166
"it was the worst of times.
564
00:33:12,208 --> 00:33:13,666
"It was the age of wisdom;
565
00:33:13,708 --> 00:33:16,875
"it was the age offoolishness..."
566
00:33:23,875 --> 00:33:26,250
I've been in the systemsince I was five,
567
00:33:26,333 --> 00:33:28,250
how 'bout you?
568
00:33:28,333 --> 00:33:30,375
Since I was 10.
569
00:33:30,416 --> 00:33:32,208
Newbie.
570
00:33:32,250 --> 00:33:37,125
So, what's the dealwith your parents?
571
00:33:37,208 --> 00:33:39,583
Dad gone, mom crazy.
572
00:33:39,625 --> 00:33:40,583
Same as me, man.
573
00:33:40,666 --> 00:33:42,166
We could be brothers.
574
00:33:47,000 --> 00:33:48,500
You dad's not around either?
575
00:33:48,541 --> 00:33:49,416
Hell no.
576
00:33:49,500 --> 00:33:51,875
I don't even knowwho my dad is.
577
00:33:51,916 --> 00:33:54,708
So why is your mom crazy?
578
00:33:54,750 --> 00:33:58,416
She's a crack-head,your mom on dope too?
579
00:33:58,458 --> 00:33:59,916
No.
580
00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:02,000
What's so funny?
581
00:34:02,041 --> 00:34:06,416
It's just being on drugsmakes your mom crazy, right?
582
00:34:06,416 --> 00:34:08,541
Not being on drugsmakes my mom crazy.
583
00:34:08,541 --> 00:34:09,583
It's just being on drugsI don't get it.om crazy, right?
584
00:34:09,625 --> 00:34:11,208
She's sick.
585
00:34:11,250 --> 00:34:15,583
She needs medicationbut she hates taking it.
586
00:34:15,666 --> 00:34:18,875
That sucks.
587
00:34:18,958 --> 00:34:21,541
Alright, 8 ballcorner pocket.
588
00:34:21,541 --> 00:34:24,333
Alright, pressure's on.
589
00:34:28,041 --> 00:34:29,708
Oh, I'm so good.
590
00:34:29,750 --> 00:34:33,375
Now who's going to school,professor?
591
00:34:33,416 --> 00:34:34,750
Rack 'em up.
592
00:34:34,833 --> 00:34:35,458
Fight, fight!
593
00:34:35,541 --> 00:34:36,208
Take him!!
594
00:34:36,208 --> 00:34:37,541
Yeah, yeah, you got him!
595
00:34:37,583 --> 00:34:38,291
Good!
596
00:34:38,375 --> 00:34:42,250
Fight, fight, fight!
597
00:34:46,208 --> 00:34:46,750
Carlos!
598
00:34:46,833 --> 00:34:47,708
What are you doing, man?
599
00:34:47,750 --> 00:34:48,583
Let him go!
600
00:34:48,666 --> 00:34:49,666
What's going on?
601
00:34:49,708 --> 00:34:52,541
That's enough, get up!
602
00:34:52,583 --> 00:34:54,208
Hey, that's enough!
603
00:34:54,208 --> 00:34:55,833
Back up!
604
00:34:55,875 --> 00:34:57,291
Now you know the rules!
605
00:34:57,333 --> 00:34:58,958
Carlos, I warned youabout this.
606
00:34:59,000 --> 00:35:00,000
But he was tryingto steal...
607
00:35:00,041 --> 00:35:02,250
No, no, no, no, no,no excuses.
608
00:35:02,333 --> 00:35:05,875
Both of you getto my office.
609
00:35:05,958 --> 00:35:07,541
Now!
610
00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:15,416
Carlos!
611
00:35:15,458 --> 00:35:16,291
What's going on?
612
00:35:16,375 --> 00:35:18,083
They're kicking me out,sending me someplace
613
00:35:18,166 --> 00:35:19,375
with more supervision.
614
00:35:19,416 --> 00:35:20,708
Probably be somesort of lockdown.
615
00:35:20,750 --> 00:35:21,708
No, they can't do that.
616
00:35:21,791 --> 00:35:22,750
It's my third fight.
617
00:35:22,833 --> 00:35:24,791
That jerk Feldman won'teven listen to my side.
618
00:35:24,833 --> 00:35:26,416
All he cares aboutis the rules
619
00:35:26,458 --> 00:35:28,583
so I told him what he coulddo with his stupid rules.
620
00:35:28,666 --> 00:35:30,708
Ahhh Carlos!
621
00:35:33,375 --> 00:35:34,458
I'm gonna miss you, bro.
622
00:35:34,500 --> 00:35:35,958
I'm gonna miss you too.
623
00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:38,041
Won't be missing youralgebra lessons though.
624
00:35:38,083 --> 00:35:39,791
Stick with it,you can do it.
625
00:35:39,875 --> 00:35:40,375
Yeah right.
626
00:35:40,416 --> 00:35:41,458
I mean it!
627
00:35:41,541 --> 00:35:42,750
Don't give up.
628
00:35:42,833 --> 00:35:44,708
Don't you give up either.
629
00:35:44,750 --> 00:35:46,083
Harvard?
630
00:35:46,166 --> 00:35:48,708
Man, that's gonna be cool.
631
00:36:18,875 --> 00:36:19,958
Hey man, check it out.
632
00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:21,250
My dad let me borrowthe car.
633
00:36:21,291 --> 00:36:23,500
Why don't you hop inwe can give you a ride.
634
00:36:23,541 --> 00:36:24,083
Oh, that's okay.
635
00:36:24,125 --> 00:36:25,666
I've already got a ride.
636
00:36:25,708 --> 00:36:27,291
Alright.
637
00:36:46,541 --> 00:36:47,583
Your friends?
638
00:36:47,583 --> 00:36:50,250
Yeah.
639
00:36:50,333 --> 00:36:52,541
I'm sorry, Alex.?
640
00:37:07,000 --> 00:37:08,375
Hi Alex.
641
00:37:08,375 --> 00:37:10,041
Something wrong?
642
00:37:14,416 --> 00:37:15,916
Is it my mom?
643
00:37:15,958 --> 00:37:17,958
Your mom's okay.
644
00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:20,041
But I'm afraid we havesome bad news.
645
00:37:20,041 --> 00:37:21,958
Due to budget cuts theschool district can't afford
646
00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:24,541
to transport you herenext year.
647
00:37:24,583 --> 00:37:26,791
And I've spoken to the directorat Mercy Point
648
00:37:26,875 --> 00:37:30,041
and unfortunately theycannot cover the costs
649
00:37:30,041 --> 00:37:31,750
of driving you either.
650
00:37:31,833 --> 00:37:33,041
What does that mean?
651
00:37:33,083 --> 00:37:34,625
Where will I go to schoolfor my senior year?
652
00:37:34,708 --> 00:37:37,625
You'll have to attend a highschool closer to the orphanage.
653
00:37:37,708 --> 00:37:38,666
No!
654
00:37:38,708 --> 00:37:41,000
My counselors, teachersand friends are all here!!!
655
00:37:41,041 --> 00:37:42,208
Alex, I am sorry...
656
00:37:42,208 --> 00:37:43,875
Don't you understand?!!!
657
00:37:43,916 --> 00:37:46,000
This school is the only realhome I've ever known
658
00:37:46,041 --> 00:37:47,541
and now it's beingtaken away too.
659
00:37:47,583 --> 00:37:48,791
It's not fair!!!!
660
00:37:48,875 --> 00:37:50,541
Alex!
661
00:38:01,375 --> 00:38:02,416
I'm sorry Alex.
662
00:38:02,458 --> 00:38:04,208
I tried I really tried.
663
00:38:04,208 --> 00:38:06,375
Apparently there's some ruleagainst me driving you
664
00:38:06,416 --> 00:38:07,916
on company time.
665
00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:10,333
That's not fair, Henry!
666
00:38:10,375 --> 00:38:13,708
Changing schools it couldkeep me out of Harvard!
667
00:38:13,791 --> 00:38:16,250
Man, that school waseverything to me.
668
00:38:16,333 --> 00:38:17,541
I know how you must feel.
669
00:38:17,583 --> 00:38:18,916
No, you don't!
670
00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:20,333
You have no ideahow it feels,
671
00:38:20,375 --> 00:38:21,750
I've worked so hardfor so long
672
00:38:21,750 --> 00:38:23,208
and now you're just goingto take this away.
673
00:38:23,291 --> 00:38:24,708
I've worked so hardfor so longYou just hold on!
674
00:38:24,750 --> 00:38:26,708
Now maybe I didn'tgo to college.
675
00:38:26,750 --> 00:38:29,375
Hell, I didn't even graduatefrom the 8th grade,
676
00:38:29,416 --> 00:38:32,333
but I sure know what it feelslike to be disappointed!
677
00:38:32,375 --> 00:38:34,166
And I know what itfeels like, Alex,
678
00:38:34,208 --> 00:38:37,708
to have somethingtaken away from me.
679
00:38:37,750 --> 00:38:38,916
I'm sorry.
680
00:38:38,958 --> 00:38:41,375
Henry, I didn't meanto take it out on you.
681
00:38:41,375 --> 00:38:42,458
Yeah, you did.
682
00:38:42,500 --> 00:38:46,833
Now you may beall book smart
683
00:38:46,875 --> 00:38:48,375
but you sure ain'tpeople smart.
684
00:38:48,416 --> 00:38:52,750
It's just that's all I have.
685
00:38:52,791 --> 00:38:55,500
Listen, that's not true.
686
00:38:55,541 --> 00:38:57,500
That's not true,you got friends.
687
00:38:57,541 --> 00:38:59,875
You got peoplewho car about you.
688
00:38:59,875 --> 00:39:05,708
You know I might not be much,but you got me too.
689
00:39:09,500 --> 00:39:12,791
Come on, let's get outof here.
690
00:39:25,125 --> 00:39:28,708
It's just I don't knowwhat to do Henry.
691
00:39:28,791 --> 00:39:32,125
They're taking schoolaway from me.
692
00:39:32,208 --> 00:39:35,875
Listen, you got a goodhead on your shoulders,
693
00:39:35,916 --> 00:39:37,625
so think.
694
00:39:37,708 --> 00:39:40,708
You can come upwith a plan.
695
00:39:40,708 --> 00:39:43,166
Use those famous smarts ofyours for something other than
696
00:39:43,208 --> 00:39:49,166
trying to keep peoplefrom getting close to you.
697
00:39:49,208 --> 00:39:51,750
Think man.
698
00:39:54,250 --> 00:39:55,958
You're right.
699
00:39:56,000 --> 00:39:58,541
Social services isnever going to help me.
700
00:39:58,583 --> 00:40:01,000
Maybe not.
701
00:40:01,041 --> 00:40:02,208
Come on, let's get back.
702
00:40:02,208 --> 00:40:03,541
What's the rush?
703
00:40:03,583 --> 00:40:05,000
You going to make medrive, Henry?
704
00:40:05,041 --> 00:40:06,500
Come on, let's go!
705
00:40:06,541 --> 00:40:08,000
Come on!
706
00:40:08,041 --> 00:40:10,041
Alright.
707
00:40:29,958 --> 00:40:32,250
Hey, hey, hey, hey,slow it down.
708
00:40:41,041 --> 00:40:43,000
You've reached Mrs. Edenger at children's welfare,
709
00:40:43,041 --> 00:40:45,250
please leave a message.
710
00:40:45,333 --> 00:40:48,458
Mrs. Edenger,it's me Alex.
711
00:40:48,500 --> 00:40:49,875
I just wanted you to knowthat I'm through
712
00:40:49,916 --> 00:40:51,833
waiting for you to finda family for me.
713
00:40:51,875 --> 00:40:54,791
I'm going to findone myself.
714
00:41:15,750 --> 00:41:17,833
I'm sure you've never received a letter of this nature before
715
00:41:17,875 --> 00:41:20,958
and I'm also quite sure you'll be surprised
716
00:41:21,041 --> 00:41:21,916
by the circumstances...
717
00:41:22,000 --> 00:41:24,541
My mother is a nurturing and caring person
718
00:41:24,625 --> 00:41:26,041
who inspired my love of learning...
719
00:41:26,083 --> 00:41:28,041
I understand that it is a great emotional
720
00:41:28,083 --> 00:41:31,458
and financial burden to take a 17 year old into your home...
721
00:41:31,541 --> 00:41:34,375
straight A's, advanced placement college classes...
722
00:41:34,416 --> 00:41:35,750
and a strong desire.
723
00:41:35,791 --> 00:41:38,041
My most fervent dream is to be accepted
724
00:41:38,041 --> 00:41:39,375
into Harvard University.
725
00:41:39,416 --> 00:41:40,708
You have no commitment to me
726
00:41:40,750 --> 00:41:43,250
after I graduate from high school next year...
727
00:41:43,333 --> 00:41:45,791
..fail to respond to my urgent and dire...
728
00:41:45,875 --> 00:41:47,791
as of now I am a ward of the state...
729
00:41:47,833 --> 00:41:52,166
My social worker has kept me fed, clothed and sheltered
730
00:41:52,208 --> 00:41:55,000
but she doesn't understand how desperately I want to stay
731
00:41:55,041 --> 00:41:56,958
in the same school for senior year
732
00:41:57,000 --> 00:42:00,208
where the counselors who know me will help me apply to colleges,
733
00:42:00,250 --> 00:42:01,833
where the teachers who know me will help me
734
00:42:01,875 --> 00:42:03,916
write letters of recommendation and advise me
735
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:07,625
and where my friends will be there to support me.
736
00:42:07,666 --> 00:42:10,375
I'm a good kid in a bad circumstance,
737
00:42:10,375 --> 00:42:13,708
I need a home.
738
00:42:13,750 --> 00:42:15,125
Thank you.
739
00:42:15,208 --> 00:42:17,833
Alex Chivescu.
740
00:42:27,041 --> 00:42:29,958
Hey, any repliesto your letter yet?
741
00:42:30,041 --> 00:42:31,541
Yeah, all negative.
742
00:42:31,583 --> 00:42:36,208
Look, there's somethingI want to tell you, man.
743
00:42:36,250 --> 00:42:38,875
I kinda asked my parentsif you could live with us
744
00:42:38,916 --> 00:42:41,708
but they said no.
745
00:42:41,750 --> 00:42:42,750
It's nothing personal.
746
00:42:42,833 --> 00:42:45,208
It's just you know they bothwork such long hours.
747
00:42:45,250 --> 00:42:48,333
It's okay, I understand.
748
00:42:48,375 --> 00:42:49,375
Sorry.
749
00:42:49,416 --> 00:42:51,208
Hey, don't be.
750
00:42:51,208 --> 00:42:53,333
I asked my parents too.
751
00:42:53,375 --> 00:42:55,125
They actuallyconsidered it but...
752
00:42:55,208 --> 00:42:59,625
You guys, it means a lotto me that you asked.
753
00:42:59,666 --> 00:43:01,750
Thanks.
754
00:43:09,666 --> 00:43:12,041
I got a letterfor you, bud.
755
00:43:21,541 --> 00:43:25,166
Dear Alex, my wife and I weredeeply moved by your letter.
756
00:43:25,208 --> 00:43:26,375
We'd like to meet youand discuss
757
00:43:26,458 --> 00:43:28,750
the possibility ofsharing our home.
758
00:43:28,750 --> 00:43:30,916
Yes!
759
00:43:31,958 --> 00:43:33,375
thI made you somefchocolate chip cookies,
760
00:43:33,416 --> 00:43:35,291
I hope you like them.
761
00:43:35,375 --> 00:43:39,000
Wow, thank you Mrs. Franks,they sure look good.
762
00:43:39,041 --> 00:43:41,083
They're our son Paul'sfavorite.
763
00:43:41,125 --> 00:43:43,708
He's at Camp Lesjunefor basic training.
764
00:43:43,750 --> 00:43:48,041
Takes after me, I'm alieutenant in the US Army.
765
00:43:48,083 --> 00:43:49,375
We live off base.
766
00:43:49,375 --> 00:43:51,875
Our house is modestbut we have an extra room
767
00:43:51,875 --> 00:43:55,750
now that Paul's gone.e off base.
768
00:43:55,833 --> 00:43:59,041
Did you get a lot of responsesto your letter?
769
00:43:59,125 --> 00:44:02,333
No sir, only youand Mrs. Franks.
770
00:44:02,375 --> 00:44:04,458
And you can call usJulia and Richard,
771
00:44:04,500 --> 00:44:07,041
and don't you darecall him sir.
772
00:44:07,125 --> 00:44:08,125
We might be in the army
773
00:44:08,208 --> 00:44:12,041
but we do not run our houselike a barracks.
774
00:44:12,125 --> 00:44:15,333
Well I'm sure you wantto know more about me.
775
00:44:18,375 --> 00:44:19,541
Ever done drugs?
776
00:44:19,583 --> 00:44:20,541
No sir.
777
00:44:20,583 --> 00:44:21,416
Drink?
778
00:44:21,458 --> 00:44:22,125
No.
779
00:44:22,208 --> 00:44:23,541
Been in troublewith the law?
780
00:44:23,583 --> 00:44:25,041
No.
781
00:44:27,541 --> 00:44:29,875
That's all we need to know.
782
00:44:29,958 --> 00:44:31,541
You mean that's it?
783
00:44:31,583 --> 00:44:33,833
No more questions,no thinking about it?
784
00:44:33,875 --> 00:44:35,541
We took Paul inas a foster child
785
00:44:35,541 --> 00:44:37,541
and ended up adopting him,
786
00:44:37,541 --> 00:44:41,416
we have no reservationsabout taking you in, Alex.
787
00:44:41,458 --> 00:44:44,625
Well, thank you Mr. Franks,Mrs. Franks,
788
00:44:44,708 --> 00:44:48,625
I mean Richard and Julia.
789
00:44:48,666 --> 00:44:49,958
Wow.
790
00:44:55,083 --> 00:44:56,958
Hustle up!!
791
00:45:01,208 --> 00:45:03,416
This will be the kind of homeI never had.
792
00:45:03,500 --> 00:45:04,333
After everythingI've been through
793
00:45:04,375 --> 00:45:06,583
it feels like I canfinally relax.
794
00:45:06,666 --> 00:45:08,500
That's a good thing.
795
00:45:08,541 --> 00:45:10,125
What if it's too goodto be true?
796
00:45:10,166 --> 00:45:11,875
Don't over think this,Einstein.
797
00:45:11,958 --> 00:45:14,750
Just let yourself be happyfor once.
798
00:45:14,833 --> 00:45:16,875
You deserve it.
799
00:45:27,458 --> 00:45:30,166
Hi Alex.
800
00:45:30,208 --> 00:45:34,041
Hi, Mr. Feldman told me youwere here, is everything okay?
801
00:45:34,041 --> 00:45:38,833
We stopped by because wewanted to tell you in person,
802
00:45:38,875 --> 00:45:41,708
I'm being transferredto a base in New York.
803
00:45:41,750 --> 00:45:43,291
We leave in two months.
804
00:45:43,375 --> 00:45:44,375
Oh.
805
00:45:44,458 --> 00:45:46,541
But we want you to comewith us.
806
00:45:46,541 --> 00:45:47,958
You'd take me with you?
807
00:45:48,041 --> 00:45:48,958
Of course.
808
00:45:49,041 --> 00:45:52,041
You have a home with usas long as you need it.
809
00:45:52,041 --> 00:45:53,708
I don't know what to say.
810
00:45:53,750 --> 00:45:57,041
Say yes.
811
00:45:57,125 --> 00:46:00,333
I'm really grateful
812
00:46:00,375 --> 00:46:02,708
but moving away woulddefeat my whole purpose
813
00:46:02,791 --> 00:46:05,250
and it's the reasonI wrote the letter.
814
00:46:05,291 --> 00:46:11,041
I want....I need to stay hereand graduate from Eagle Creek,
815
00:46:11,083 --> 00:46:11,958
and I can't leave my mom.
816
00:46:12,041 --> 00:46:14,541
At least when I'm hereI know she's nearby.
817
00:46:14,541 --> 00:46:16,583
We understand.
818
00:46:16,583 --> 00:46:19,166
Is there another familyyou can stay with?
819
00:46:19,208 --> 00:46:23,333
Oh sure, definitely.
820
00:46:23,375 --> 00:46:26,625
I am so sorry, Alex.
821
00:46:26,666 --> 00:46:30,500
We really wanted thisto work out.
822
00:46:30,541 --> 00:46:33,041
Good luck son.
823
00:47:04,000 --> 00:47:09,000
Bills, bill and bill,there you go.
824
00:47:09,041 --> 00:47:13,125
Do either of you know someoneby the name of Alex Chivescu?
825
00:47:13,208 --> 00:47:14,375
Nope.
826
00:47:14,416 --> 00:47:15,083
Who is he?
827
00:47:15,125 --> 00:47:18,208
I don't know, let's find out.
828
00:47:18,291 --> 00:47:23,791
Oh, goes to Eagle Creek High,and he lives in an orphanage.
829
00:47:23,833 --> 00:47:25,541
How sad.
830
00:47:25,583 --> 00:47:27,333
He's looking for a fosterfamily to live with
831
00:47:27,375 --> 00:47:29,208
during his senior year.
832
00:47:29,250 --> 00:47:31,041
He's going to college after that,
833
00:47:31,083 --> 00:47:33,666
his father is out of the picture
834
00:47:33,708 --> 00:47:35,458
and his mother haspsychiatric issues
835
00:47:35,541 --> 00:47:38,208
and lost custody of him?
836
00:47:38,208 --> 00:47:40,208
We need to meet him, mom.
837
00:47:40,291 --> 00:47:41,041
Jen.
838
00:47:41,125 --> 00:47:42,000
Mom.
839
00:47:42,041 --> 00:47:43,375
Look this isn't likeyour stray dogs or cats
840
00:47:43,458 --> 00:47:44,541
or wounded birds...
841
00:47:44,583 --> 00:47:45,625
Or turtles.
842
00:47:45,708 --> 00:47:47,125
Exactly, that you broughthome since you would walk.
843
00:47:47,208 --> 00:47:49,208
I mean this, we don'teven know this kid.
844
00:47:49,250 --> 00:47:50,208
It's probably a scam.
845
00:47:50,250 --> 00:47:52,625
Dad, can you imagine the gutsthat it took for him
846
00:47:52,666 --> 00:47:53,833
to write this letter?
847
00:47:53,875 --> 00:47:56,666
He's turning to total strangersbecause he has nobody else.
848
00:47:56,708 --> 00:47:58,375
You don't even know him,Jen.
849
00:47:58,375 --> 00:48:02,000
Well, I know that he's got tofeel scared and desperate.
850
00:48:02,041 --> 00:48:06,375
I have you guys, this kiddoesn't have anyone.
851
00:48:06,458 --> 00:48:08,708
We need to help him.
852
00:48:10,833 --> 00:48:14,250
Bringing a stranger intoour home is serious business.
853
00:48:17,791 --> 00:48:19,500
We need to learnmore about him
854
00:48:19,541 --> 00:48:21,291
and then we can talkabout it.
855
00:48:21,333 --> 00:48:23,000
Alright.
856
00:48:25,125 --> 00:48:26,416
I'm going to go checkif he's on Facebook
857
00:48:26,500 --> 00:48:27,875
and add him as a friend.
858
00:48:27,916 --> 00:48:28,916
Okay.
859
00:48:29,000 --> 00:48:30,333
Our daughter has a verybig heart.
860
00:48:30,375 --> 00:48:32,250
Yeah, well, I know whereshe gets that from.
861
00:48:32,333 --> 00:48:35,750
But Suzanne this has to bea thoughtful discussion.
862
00:48:35,791 --> 00:48:37,083
There's too much at stakefor our family
863
00:48:37,125 --> 00:48:38,625
and for this young man.
864
00:48:38,708 --> 00:48:39,833
I know.
865
00:48:39,875 --> 00:48:41,541
He's on Facebook!
866
00:48:41,583 --> 00:48:42,625
Let me see.
867
00:48:42,666 --> 00:48:46,583
He's kinda a nerd in a nice waybut a total brain.
868
00:48:46,666 --> 00:48:48,541
He looks friendly mom.
869
00:48:48,583 --> 00:48:49,625
He does Jim.
870
00:48:49,708 --> 00:48:51,041
Oh.
871
00:48:51,041 --> 00:48:53,083
So when can we meet him?
872
00:48:53,166 --> 00:48:54,583
Now hold on you two,come on.
873
00:48:54,666 --> 00:48:56,958
Dad, I'm going to be goingto college in the fall.
874
00:48:57,041 --> 00:48:59,375
You and mom are goingto be here all alone.
875
00:48:59,375 --> 00:49:02,041
The empty nest thing is goingto be really hard on you.
876
00:49:02,041 --> 00:49:03,208
Or liberating.
877
00:49:03,250 --> 00:49:06,041
No more loud music, no moregiggling girls at sleepovers.
878
00:49:06,083 --> 00:49:07,625
Very funny.
879
00:49:07,666 --> 00:49:10,333
I suppose we could just meetthe boy, Jim.
880
00:49:16,041 --> 00:49:17,375
Yeah, I suppose we could.
881
00:49:17,375 --> 00:49:18,416
Yay!!!!
882
00:49:18,500 --> 00:49:19,708
That's all I'm promising.
883
00:49:19,750 --> 00:49:20,458
Sure.
884
00:49:20,500 --> 00:49:21,708
Sure.
885
00:49:26,333 --> 00:49:27,875
I didn't' realize I'd beso nervous.
886
00:49:27,916 --> 00:49:29,291
Me neither.
887
00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:31,375
Mr. and Mrs. Bante?
888
00:49:31,458 --> 00:49:34,041
Yes.
889
00:49:34,083 --> 00:49:37,500
Alex, nice to meet you.
890
00:49:37,541 --> 00:49:39,666
It's nice to meet you too.
891
00:49:39,708 --> 00:49:41,541
You want to grab a seat?
892
00:49:41,541 --> 00:49:42,666
Sure.
893
00:49:42,708 --> 00:49:43,875
You want to grab a sOkay.
894
00:49:43,916 --> 00:49:47,125
Don't' forget your coffee.
895
00:49:47,208 --> 00:49:49,083
Well, Alex we spoketo your school counselor
896
00:49:49,083 --> 00:49:51,291
and obviously you'rean excellent student
897
00:49:51,333 --> 00:49:52,625
Well, Alex we spoketoand that's just great.
898
00:49:52,708 --> 00:49:56,208
But Suzanne and I want to knowsome more things about you.
899
00:49:56,208 --> 00:49:59,416
Of course sir, umm, here.
900
00:49:59,500 --> 00:50:02,750
Here's some of my awards,high school transcripts,
901
00:50:02,791 --> 00:50:04,208
and these are lettersof recommendation
902
00:50:04,250 --> 00:50:06,333
from some of my teachersand my social worker.
903
00:50:06,375 --> 00:50:09,541
Alex, you're not applyingfor a job.
904
00:50:09,583 --> 00:50:10,708
If we do this,
905
00:50:10,708 --> 00:50:14,958
we're not asking for you tolive with us for a year or so,
906
00:50:15,000 --> 00:50:17,833
we're inviting youinto our home
907
00:50:17,875 --> 00:50:23,041
to be part of our family,permanently.
908
00:50:23,083 --> 00:50:24,583
Permanently?
909
00:50:24,625 --> 00:50:25,541
That's right.
910
00:50:25,583 --> 00:50:26,500
Yeah.
911
00:50:26,541 --> 00:50:29,291
So you really needto think about that,
912
00:50:29,375 --> 00:50:32,083
and so do we.
913
00:50:32,125 --> 00:50:33,208
Okay?
914
00:50:33,208 --> 00:50:35,416
Yeah.
915
00:50:49,375 --> 00:50:51,333
Okay?Hello?
916
00:50:51,375 --> 00:50:54,541
Yes Mr. Bante.
917
00:50:54,583 --> 00:50:58,875
Thank you sir, thank youvery much.
918
00:50:58,958 --> 00:51:00,750
I can be ready then.
919
00:51:00,791 --> 00:51:05,041
Okay, okay, bye.
920
00:51:15,208 --> 00:51:16,541
Hey Alex, you almostready?
921
00:51:16,625 --> 00:51:17,916
We're parked out front.
922
00:51:17,958 --> 00:51:18,708
I'm all packed.
923
00:51:18,750 --> 00:51:19,750
Where are the restof your things?
924
00:51:19,791 --> 00:51:21,625
I thought you saidyou had a lot of stuff.
925
00:51:21,666 --> 00:51:26,000
Well, this is it,everything I own.
926
00:51:26,041 --> 00:51:29,666
Okay, great we'llgive you a hand.
927
00:51:34,208 --> 00:51:36,541
Here I'll take that Alex.
928
00:51:36,583 --> 00:51:39,333
We'll meet you in the car.
929
00:51:39,375 --> 00:51:41,541
I don't know what to say,Henry.
930
00:51:41,583 --> 00:51:43,208
I wouldn't' have made itwithout you.
931
00:51:43,250 --> 00:51:45,666
No need my man,this isn't goodbye.
932
00:51:45,708 --> 00:51:47,041
You'll come and see me?
933
00:51:47,083 --> 00:51:48,041
Of course!
934
00:51:48,083 --> 00:51:51,750
Still gotta finish teaching youhow to drive.
935
00:51:56,375 --> 00:52:01,083
Your parallel parking needsa lot of work you know.
936
00:52:01,125 --> 00:52:02,625
I know.
937
00:52:09,250 --> 00:52:10,375
Here we go.
938
00:52:15,458 --> 00:52:18,666
Hey Alex, it's niceto finally meet you.
939
00:52:18,708 --> 00:52:19,458
I'm Jen.
940
00:52:19,500 --> 00:52:21,166
It's nice to meet you too,Jen.
941
00:52:21,208 --> 00:52:23,041
Come on, I'll showyou to your room--
942
00:52:23,125 --> 00:52:25,000
actually it was my old room.
943
00:52:25,041 --> 00:52:26,500
Well, I don't want to takeyour room.
944
00:52:26,541 --> 00:52:27,375
Oh, no, it's okay.
945
00:52:27,375 --> 00:52:28,875
I moved intothe smaller guest room.
946
00:52:28,916 --> 00:52:30,375
I leave for collegein a couple of weeks
947
00:52:30,375 --> 00:52:32,041
so I won't be homethat much.
948
00:52:32,083 --> 00:52:33,875
It will be your job to lookafter my parents,
949
00:52:33,958 --> 00:52:36,375
make sure they don't partytoo hard.
950
00:52:42,166 --> 00:52:45,708
Two years ago I wasdiagnosed with Lupus,
951
00:52:45,791 --> 00:52:48,583
I have flare-ups sometimes.
952
00:52:48,625 --> 00:52:51,250
Last spring I had thisreally bad attack.
953
00:52:51,250 --> 00:52:54,083
I had chest pains andI couldn't breath,
954
00:52:54,083 --> 00:52:57,625
Lastand I collapsed onrealthe bathroom floor.
955
00:52:57,666 --> 00:52:59,125
I had chest pains andMust have been scared.reath,
956
00:52:59,166 --> 00:53:00,875
Oh, I was terrified.
957
00:53:00,875 --> 00:53:03,166
Fortunately my parentsfound me right away
958
00:53:03,208 --> 00:53:05,916
and I had to go to the hospitalfor like a kazillion testsied.
959
00:53:06,000 --> 00:53:10,291
and my mom and my dadthey never left my side.
960
00:53:10,375 --> 00:53:12,916
I can't imagine whatit's been like for you,
961
00:53:13,000 --> 00:53:14,416
not having your parents around.
962
00:53:14,500 --> 00:53:17,041
I mean, it's justthe way it is.
963
00:53:17,125 --> 00:53:19,166
I don't even remembermy dad,
964
00:53:19,208 --> 00:53:21,000
but my mom was incredible.
965
00:53:21,041 --> 00:53:22,708
Before she got sickshe was on her own,
966
00:53:22,750 --> 00:53:26,083
raising a kid, somehow stillmanaged to get her PHD.
967
00:53:26,125 --> 00:53:30,125
Well, now we know who you gotyour brains from.
968
00:53:30,208 --> 00:53:32,500
Yeah.
969
00:53:32,541 --> 00:53:34,875
Disturbed?
970
00:53:34,875 --> 00:53:35,791
The Black Keys?
971
00:53:35,875 --> 00:53:37,500
Sierra?
972
00:53:37,541 --> 00:53:38,791
Okay, no way!
973
00:53:38,833 --> 00:53:40,000
What?
974
00:53:40,041 --> 00:53:43,750
When it comes to music we weredefinitely separated at birth.
975
00:53:44,708 --> 00:53:47,041
I wish I wasn't goingto college so soon;
976
00:53:47,083 --> 00:53:50,625
you are going to bea cool little brother.
977
00:53:50,666 --> 00:53:53,000
Just don't be bratty.
978
00:53:53,041 --> 00:53:56,208
Deal, as long as you'renot bossy.
979
00:53:58,125 --> 00:53:58,666
Hey!
980
00:53:58,708 --> 00:53:59,666
Welcome to the family!
981
00:54:03,041 --> 00:54:04,750
So don't worry about me,
982
00:54:04,833 --> 00:54:07,708
'cause I found a really nice foster family
983
00:54:07,791 --> 00:54:11,416
and they have a daughter who already feels like a sister.
984
00:54:11,500 --> 00:54:14,166
I'm still working hard towards getting into Harvard,
985
00:54:14,208 --> 00:54:17,125
my counselor thinks I can do it.
986
00:54:19,416 --> 00:54:21,958
Remember when I made that promise to you?
987
00:54:22,041 --> 00:54:24,625
I'm going to keep it.
988
00:54:24,708 --> 00:54:26,583
I miss you mom.
989
00:54:26,625 --> 00:54:28,208
Love Alex.
990
00:54:38,625 --> 00:54:39,875
Hey there he is.
991
00:54:39,875 --> 00:54:41,458
Good morning, Alex.
992
00:54:41,541 --> 00:54:42,041
Morning.
993
00:54:42,083 --> 00:54:43,541
Eggs and toast okay?
994
00:54:43,583 --> 00:54:45,208
Thanks, Mrs. Bante.
995
00:54:45,291 --> 00:54:48,333
You know Alex, you don't haveto call us Mr. and Mrs. Bante.
996
00:54:48,375 --> 00:54:50,375
What would you like meto call you?
997
00:54:50,375 --> 00:54:51,166
I don't know.
998
00:54:51,208 --> 00:54:51,916
Jim and Suzanne?
999
00:54:52,000 --> 00:54:53,041
Whatever you'recomfortable with.
1000
00:54:53,083 --> 00:54:54,000
Yeah.
1001
00:54:54,041 --> 00:54:56,375
Well, I'm comfortablewith Mr. and Mrs. Bante.
1002
00:54:56,375 --> 00:54:57,166
Okay.
1003
00:54:57,208 --> 00:54:58,333
Well, I'm comfortablewith Mr. and MOkay.ante.
1004
00:54:58,375 --> 00:55:00,583
Grab a seat, Alex.
1005
00:55:05,166 --> 00:55:08,125
We never had a chanceto talk about your chores.
1006
00:55:08,208 --> 00:55:09,000
Chores?
1007
00:55:09,041 --> 00:55:10,666
Yeah, everyone pitches in here,
1008
00:55:10,708 --> 00:55:14,125
so when Jen leaves for schoolyou'll take over her jobs.
1009
00:55:14,166 --> 00:55:15,833
Well, what kind of jobs?
1010
00:55:15,875 --> 00:55:18,041
Well, for example, today'strash pick up day,
1011
00:55:18,083 --> 00:55:20,166
so when you leave the houseyou'll put the cans out.
1012
00:55:20,208 --> 00:55:21,041
When you come homefrom school
1013
00:55:21,125 --> 00:55:22,375
you'll put them backin the garage.
1014
00:55:22,416 --> 00:55:26,333
We'll talk about the restlater, I gotta run.
1015
00:55:26,375 --> 00:55:27,375
Bye honey.
1016
00:55:27,458 --> 00:55:28,416
Bye.
1017
00:55:29,583 --> 00:55:31,708
I will see you guys tonight.
1018
00:55:38,625 --> 00:55:39,833
Scrambled?
1019
00:55:39,875 --> 00:55:41,541
Ah, yes please.
1020
00:55:41,541 --> 00:55:43,708
Great.
1021
00:55:53,875 --> 00:55:55,708
I can't take it,it's too much..
1022
00:55:59,875 --> 00:56:01,458
And a bunch of chores too.
1023
00:56:01,500 --> 00:56:02,833
And Mrs. Bante cameinto my room,
1024
00:56:02,875 --> 00:56:04,791
tried to get me to talkto her.
1025
00:56:04,875 --> 00:56:06,208
Well imagine that.
1026
00:56:11,125 --> 00:56:17,583
Okay, remember to checkyour side mirrors.
1027
00:56:17,583 --> 00:56:21,083
She wants me to talkabout my feelings.
1028
00:56:21,166 --> 00:56:22,250
Okay, remember to checkSo what's the problem?
1029
00:56:22,333 --> 00:56:25,458
I don't know, they're notmy parents you know,
1030
00:56:25,541 --> 00:56:27,916
I wish they'd stopacting like they are.
1031
00:56:27,958 --> 00:56:29,416
Why?
1032
00:56:29,500 --> 00:56:32,541
Because I don't need that.
1033
00:56:32,541 --> 00:56:34,000
You don't need it,
1034
00:56:34,041 --> 00:56:36,041
or you don't knowhow to handle it?
1035
00:56:36,125 --> 00:56:40,041
I wish they'd just let mepay rent and leave me alone.
1036
00:56:40,083 --> 00:56:42,000
Really Alex?
1037
00:56:42,041 --> 00:56:44,750
I mean, is that whatyou really want?
1038
00:56:53,041 --> 00:56:55,791
Hey Alex,how was school?
1039
00:56:55,833 --> 00:56:57,000
Fine.
1040
00:56:57,041 --> 00:56:59,375
Learn anythinginteresting today?
1041
00:56:59,416 --> 00:57:00,833
Not really.
1042
00:57:00,875 --> 00:57:03,000
Can I have an apple?
1043
00:57:03,041 --> 00:57:06,291
Alex, this is your home,you don't have to ask.
1044
00:57:06,375 --> 00:57:08,500
You know when Jen was in senioryear all she wanted to do
1045
00:57:08,541 --> 00:57:10,041
was bring her friends overand...
1046
00:57:10,083 --> 00:57:13,708
Mrs. Bante, I got lotsof homework to do.
1047
00:57:13,791 --> 00:57:16,750
Yeah sure, go ahead.
1048
00:57:28,083 --> 00:57:30,291
Come in.
1049
00:57:30,333 --> 00:57:33,708
Hey Alex, I just wantedto say goodnight.
1050
00:57:33,708 --> 00:57:37,041
Goodnight, Mrs. Bante.
1051
00:57:37,041 --> 00:57:41,458
Alex, I want you to know thatyou're part of our family now
1052
00:57:41,500 --> 00:57:42,458
and the thing aboutfamilies is
1053
00:57:42,500 --> 00:57:44,791
that we can talkto one another.
1054
00:57:44,875 --> 00:57:47,041
So if there's anything you want to say...
1055
00:57:47,125 --> 00:57:50,375
I'm fine Mrs. Bante.
1056
00:57:50,375 --> 00:57:52,000
Good.
1057
00:57:52,041 --> 00:57:53,416
But if you ever do wantI'm fineto talkante.
1058
00:57:53,500 --> 00:57:57,208
Jim and I are readyto listen.
1059
00:57:57,208 --> 00:58:03,291
Okay um, alright,goodnight.
1060
00:58:03,375 --> 00:58:04,958
Night.
1061
00:58:07,166 --> 00:58:09,375
It's a miracle he turned outas well as he did.
1062
00:58:09,416 --> 00:58:11,833
He doesn't know how to dothe most basic things
1063
00:58:11,875 --> 00:58:14,875
and his social skillsdefinitely need some work.
1064
00:58:14,916 --> 00:58:16,708
I think his upbringingwas a lot more difficult
1065
00:58:16,708 --> 00:58:17,833
that we realized.
1066
00:58:17,875 --> 00:58:19,041
Well, at least hetalks to you Jim,
1067
00:58:19,125 --> 00:58:20,583
he barely says a wordto me.
1068
00:58:20,666 --> 00:58:21,958
Don't take it personally,honey.
1069
00:58:22,000 --> 00:58:24,541
It's not about my feelings,it's about his.
1070
00:58:24,583 --> 00:58:27,500
I can only imagine whatit must be like for him.
1071
00:58:27,541 --> 00:58:29,375
I just wish that he feltsafe enough with us
1072
00:58:29,416 --> 00:58:32,041
to open up and sharewhat he's going through.
1073
00:58:32,083 --> 00:58:33,208
Suzanne, he barely knows us
1074
00:58:33,250 --> 00:58:36,708
and he definitelydoesn't trust us yet.
1075
00:58:36,750 --> 00:58:39,208
Well, what if he never can?
1076
00:58:39,250 --> 00:58:40,458
Well, that's up to him.
1077
00:58:40,500 --> 00:58:43,875
He'll let us past his defensesor he won't.
1078
00:58:43,875 --> 00:58:48,041
There has got to be somethingwe can do to help him.
1079
00:58:48,083 --> 00:58:51,333
All we can do is treathim like what he is,
1080
00:58:51,375 --> 00:58:54,708
a member of this family.
1081
00:58:54,750 --> 00:58:57,416
Jim, are we crazy to havegotten into this?
1082
00:58:57,458 --> 00:59:00,875
Probably, but no matterhow it turns out
1083
00:59:00,958 --> 00:59:03,250
I'm not going to besorry that we tried.
1084
00:59:03,291 --> 00:59:04,583
You?
1085
00:59:04,583 --> 00:59:05,791
No.
1086
00:59:05,833 --> 00:59:07,333
Good.
1087
00:59:18,875 --> 00:59:20,875
Call us as soon as youget there, okay?
1088
00:59:20,916 --> 00:59:22,083
I will mom.
1089
00:59:22,166 --> 00:59:24,000
And I know you're going to bebusy but please stay in touch.
1090
00:59:24,041 --> 00:59:25,458
Okay.
1091
00:59:29,125 --> 00:59:30,708
Go.
1092
00:59:33,375 --> 00:59:34,250
Keep an eye on them;
1093
00:59:34,291 --> 00:59:36,666
don't let them getinto too much trouble.
1094
00:59:39,416 --> 00:59:42,541
It will be okay, they'renot the coolest parentsin the world
1095
00:59:42,625 --> 00:59:44,500
but they'll be therefor you
1096
00:59:44,541 --> 00:59:47,458
just like they'vealways been for me.
1097
00:59:50,375 --> 00:59:51,875
Wouldn't ya know it.
1098
00:59:51,958 --> 00:59:55,541
I finally get a brotherand I have to leave.
1099
00:59:55,541 --> 00:59:57,291
Are you gonna miss me?
1100
00:59:57,333 --> 00:59:58,416
Nah.
1101
00:59:58,458 --> 01:00:00,666
Ha, very funny.
1102
01:00:00,708 --> 01:00:01,875
See you at Christmas.
1103
01:00:01,916 --> 01:00:03,458
See ya.
1104
01:00:21,375 --> 01:00:23,750
But Mr. Bante I don't needyou to give me money
1105
01:00:23,791 --> 01:00:24,875
to buy Christmas gifts.
1106
01:00:24,916 --> 01:00:26,208
I don't want to bea charity case.
1107
01:00:26,250 --> 01:00:29,041
Don't give me that Alex,you're not a charity case.
1108
01:00:29,041 --> 01:00:31,666
Don't assume what peoplefeel for you is pity.
1109
01:00:31,708 --> 01:00:34,250
It might actually belex,something else.arity case.
1110
01:00:34,333 --> 01:00:39,333
Alex, come here,listen to me;
1111
01:00:39,375 --> 01:00:41,041
I want to be clear here.
1112
01:00:41,083 --> 01:00:44,708
You've had a rough time,life hasn't been fair,
1113
01:00:44,708 --> 01:00:46,250
but it wasn't your fault.
1114
01:00:46,250 --> 01:00:49,083
Now it's natural to feelsorry for yourself,
1115
01:00:49,125 --> 01:00:51,916
but that's not goingto get you anywhere.ault.
1116
01:00:51,958 --> 01:00:55,708
Look, we respect everythingyou've accomplished,
1117
01:00:55,791 --> 01:01:00,916
but more so we respectwho you've become.
1118
01:01:00,958 --> 01:01:04,666
Now, I know it's beenhard all this time
1119
01:01:04,708 --> 01:01:08,208
with your dad notbeing around,
1120
01:01:08,291 --> 01:01:11,166
maybe I can help youwith that.
1121
01:01:11,208 --> 01:01:14,208
Now what do you say we getthis tree in the house, huh?
1122
01:01:19,375 --> 01:01:21,166
It's a beauty, isn't it?
1123
01:01:24,500 --> 01:01:25,875
Hey rememberthis little guy?
1124
01:01:25,916 --> 01:01:27,083
Oh yeah.
1125
01:01:28,958 --> 01:01:32,375
Hey Alex come in, decoratingthe tree is the best part.
1126
01:01:32,416 --> 01:01:34,041
Oh look this is Jen'sChristmas ornament.
1127
01:01:34,083 --> 01:01:35,708
She made in second grade.
1128
01:01:35,708 --> 01:01:38,458
Look at that.
1129
01:01:38,500 --> 01:01:39,916
Everything okay, Alex?
1130
01:01:40,000 --> 01:01:42,708
I um, I got my report card.
1131
01:01:42,750 --> 01:01:45,375
I don't know if you guyswant to see it or not.
1132
01:01:45,416 --> 01:01:46,458
Absolutely!
1133
01:01:46,500 --> 01:01:48,666
Yeah, of course we do!
1134
01:01:50,541 --> 01:01:52,541
Will you look at that--straight A's.
1135
01:01:52,625 --> 01:01:54,250
Alex, that's great!
1136
01:01:54,333 --> 01:01:55,583
We're so proud of you.
1137
01:01:55,625 --> 01:01:59,250
Nice work, this callsfor a celebration.
1138
01:01:59,291 --> 01:02:01,500
Do you have an extra cardI could have for my mother,
1139
01:02:01,541 --> 01:02:02,500
Mrs. Bante?
1140
01:02:02,541 --> 01:02:04,541
Yeah, of course Alex.
1141
01:02:05,750 --> 01:02:06,625
Here you go.
1142
01:02:06,708 --> 01:02:07,375
Thanks.
1143
01:02:07,458 --> 01:02:08,750
Would you help mewith the tree?
1144
01:02:08,750 --> 01:02:12,000
Yeah.
1145
01:02:12,041 --> 01:02:14,875
You know, Alex, if you wanted toget a present for your mother
1146
01:02:14,875 --> 01:02:17,208
I could take you shopping,pick out something nice.
1147
01:02:17,208 --> 01:02:19,875
No thanks, Mrs. Bante.
1148
01:02:19,958 --> 01:02:22,875
Well, if you want to visit herI could take you there.
1149
01:02:22,875 --> 01:02:24,708
I don't think so.
1150
01:02:24,750 --> 01:02:27,708
Alex, it must be hard spendingChristmas without her.
1151
01:02:27,750 --> 01:02:30,833
No, I've spent a lot ofChristmas's without her.
1152
01:02:36,375 --> 01:02:38,250
College girl's home!
1153
01:02:38,250 --> 01:02:40,250
Hey!
1154
01:02:40,291 --> 01:02:41,541
College girl'sMom!e!
1155
01:02:41,583 --> 01:02:42,541
Oh welcome home sweetheart!
1156
01:02:42,625 --> 01:02:44,208
Did dad tell you how muchwe missed you?
1157
01:02:44,250 --> 01:02:46,291
Only for the last 300 miles.
1158
01:02:46,333 --> 01:02:47,916
Good, good, well let'sget you settled.
1159
01:02:47,958 --> 01:02:50,500
There's tons of foodin the kitchen.
1160
01:02:57,083 --> 01:03:02,000
It is so good to be home withmy folks and my little bro.
1161
01:03:02,041 --> 01:03:05,375
College is greatbut the food sucks.
1162
01:03:05,375 --> 01:03:08,250
I'm so excited for mom'sChristmas Eve dinner tonight.
1163
01:03:08,291 --> 01:03:12,208
The turkey smells so good!
1164
01:03:12,291 --> 01:03:16,250
Believe me you're goingto want seconds.
1165
01:03:16,250 --> 01:03:18,458
Jen,
1166
01:03:18,541 --> 01:03:21,791
Behow come you don't mindtosharing your parents with me?
1167
01:03:21,833 --> 01:03:26,541
It doesn't take anything awayfrom how they feel about me.
1168
01:03:26,583 --> 01:03:28,458
They have plenty of loveto go around.
1169
01:03:28,500 --> 01:03:29,833
It's just who they are.
1170
01:03:29,875 --> 01:03:31,541
But they hardly know me.
1171
01:03:31,625 --> 01:03:33,583
I mean, how couldthey love me?
1172
01:03:33,625 --> 01:03:35,416
Because they do.
1173
01:03:35,500 --> 01:03:38,958
You're worth being loved,Alex.
1174
01:03:39,041 --> 01:03:40,791
You know that right?
1175
01:03:44,041 --> 01:03:47,083
Are you going to go seeyour mom on Christmas?
1176
01:03:47,125 --> 01:03:49,250
No.
1177
01:03:49,333 --> 01:03:53,875
Or at least call her?
1178
01:03:53,916 --> 01:03:55,458
Do you ever talk to her?
1179
01:03:55,500 --> 01:03:59,083
I um, I write to her.
1180
01:03:59,166 --> 01:04:00,875
Well, that's good.
1181
01:04:12,541 --> 01:04:14,208
What's this?
1182
01:04:14,208 --> 01:04:16,541
I don't send the letters.
1183
01:04:16,541 --> 01:04:17,583
Why not?
1184
01:04:17,625 --> 01:04:19,708
You don't know how angryshe was Jen. the letters.
1185
01:04:19,708 --> 01:04:23,250
Especially when I went to courtto terminate her rights.
1186
01:04:23,291 --> 01:04:26,083
I abandoned her,just like she did to me
1187
01:04:26,166 --> 01:04:28,208
only she couldn't help it.
1188
01:04:28,250 --> 01:04:30,083
Neither could you.
1189
01:04:30,083 --> 01:04:31,833
Well, I don't thinkshe'll ever forgive me.
1190
01:04:31,875 --> 01:04:34,875
Of course she will,she's your mom.ou.
1191
01:04:34,916 --> 01:04:38,208
She loves youno matter what.
1192
01:04:40,333 --> 01:04:42,000
Come on, let's go.
1193
01:04:42,041 --> 01:04:43,000
Where to?
1194
01:04:43,041 --> 01:04:45,166
Let's go give your momthe best Christmas present
1195
01:04:45,208 --> 01:04:47,083
that she has ever had.
1196
01:04:47,166 --> 01:04:48,291
Jen, I can't.
1197
01:04:48,375 --> 01:04:51,541
Come on!
1198
01:04:51,583 --> 01:04:53,041
Come on!
1199
01:04:53,083 --> 01:04:54,583
Jen!
1200
01:05:12,708 --> 01:05:15,208
Nistor, apartment 103.
1201
01:05:25,500 --> 01:05:26,541
Wait, wait, wait, Jen!
1202
01:05:26,625 --> 01:05:27,708
What if she freaks out?
1203
01:05:27,708 --> 01:05:30,125
Come on Alex, we're here now,you can do this.
1204
01:05:30,208 --> 01:05:32,208
No, no, no, I can't Jen,please I can't,reaks out?
1205
01:05:32,250 --> 01:05:33,875
I'm not ready to see her,please!
1206
01:05:33,916 --> 01:05:36,500
Jen, please!
1207
01:05:36,541 --> 01:05:39,166
I'm sorry Alex,I didn't realize.
1208
01:05:39,208 --> 01:05:40,708
Do you want to leavethe letters?
1209
01:05:40,791 --> 01:05:41,750
No, this was a mistakecoming here.
1210
01:05:45,375 --> 01:05:47,041
Alright let's go.
1211
01:06:09,041 --> 01:06:11,041
Merry Christmas everyone!
1212
01:06:11,041 --> 01:06:12,583
Come here quick!
1213
01:06:12,583 --> 01:06:13,791
Alright which one's mine,which one's mine?
1214
01:06:13,833 --> 01:06:17,416
Well, well, it looks like SantaCowas generous this year, huh?
1215
01:06:17,458 --> 01:06:21,916
Okay, I want you bothto open these first.
1216
01:06:22,000 --> 01:06:22,833
That's for you.
1217
01:06:22,875 --> 01:06:24,041
Slow down.
1218
01:06:24,083 --> 01:06:25,000
What is it?What is it?
1219
01:06:25,041 --> 01:06:26,208
And that's for you.
1220
01:06:33,041 --> 01:06:33,416
Mom.
1221
01:06:33,458 --> 01:06:34,041
Do you like it?
1222
01:06:34,041 --> 01:06:35,083
This is awesome!
1223
01:06:35,166 --> 01:06:36,875
I cannot believe that yousaved all my old t-shirts!
1224
01:06:36,916 --> 01:06:37,875
I did, I did.
1225
01:06:37,916 --> 01:06:39,833
There's one from your tennisteam, your debate club
1226
01:06:39,875 --> 01:06:40,916
when you ran forstudent counsel
1227
01:06:40,958 --> 01:06:43,208
and a whole bunch of musicgroups I've never heard of.
1228
01:06:43,250 --> 01:06:44,291
Me neither.
1229
01:06:44,375 --> 01:06:45,708
I cannot wait to put this onmy bed in my dorm room!
1230
01:06:45,708 --> 01:06:49,833
Oh, I'm glad you like it,Merry Christmas sweetheart!
1231
01:06:49,875 --> 01:06:51,458
Well, how 'bout meI made it.
1232
01:06:51,500 --> 01:06:54,000
Yeah right, thank you.
1233
01:06:54,041 --> 01:06:57,541
I hope you like it, thinkof it as a family heirloom.
1234
01:06:57,583 --> 01:07:00,750
Something you can keepforever if you want.
1235
01:07:02,750 --> 01:07:05,208
It's amazing.
1236
01:07:05,291 --> 01:07:07,708
The letters spell outHarvard.
1237
01:07:07,750 --> 01:07:08,625
Thank you.
1238
01:07:08,708 --> 01:07:10,958
Your welcome.
1239
01:07:13,041 --> 01:07:16,958
Jen, just give hima minute.
1240
01:07:17,000 --> 01:07:19,375
This is a good thing,he should be happy.
1241
01:07:19,416 --> 01:07:21,458
I think he is.
1242
01:07:21,500 --> 01:07:23,791
He probably never had much ofa real Christmas growing up.
1243
01:07:23,875 --> 01:07:28,458
I'm sure it's just a bitoverwhelming for him.
1244
01:07:28,500 --> 01:07:30,583
Yeah.
1245
01:07:31,875 --> 01:07:34,416
Dear mom,
1246
01:07:34,416 --> 01:07:37,666
I heard you're out of the hospital.
1247
01:07:37,708 --> 01:07:40,375
I hope you're feeling better.
1248
01:07:40,416 --> 01:07:43,250
Even though I haven't seen you in a long time
1249
01:07:43,291 --> 01:07:48,208
I want you to know I think about you a lot and I miss you.
1250
01:07:48,250 --> 01:07:51,416
Here's my number in case you want to call sometime.
1251
01:07:51,458 --> 01:07:53,875
I hope you have a great holiday mom.
1252
01:07:53,916 --> 01:07:55,708
Love Alex.
1253
01:08:02,958 --> 01:08:03,833
Hello?
1254
01:08:03,875 --> 01:08:05,208
Alex?
1255
01:08:05,291 --> 01:08:06,791
Mom?
1256
01:08:08,750 --> 01:08:09,708
How are you?
1257
01:08:09,750 --> 01:08:14,541
I'm alright, much better being in my own place.
1258
01:08:14,583 --> 01:08:17,041
Is it nice?
1259
01:08:17,125 --> 01:08:22,375
Yes, yes, it is very nice.
1260
01:08:22,416 --> 01:08:26,125
Maybe you can comevisit me sometime?
1261
01:08:26,166 --> 01:08:27,541
Sure.
1262
01:08:27,625 --> 01:08:30,500
And um, is it alright where you are?
1263
01:08:30,541 --> 01:08:31,708
Yeah.
1264
01:08:31,750 --> 01:08:32,583
Yeah?
1265
01:08:32,666 --> 01:08:34,041
Are they good to you?
1266
01:08:34,083 --> 01:08:36,875
Very good.
1267
01:08:40,708 --> 01:08:43,875
Thank you for the card,it's beautiful,
1268
01:08:43,916 --> 01:08:47,208
and it means so muchto me.
1269
01:08:47,250 --> 01:08:49,791
I wish you were here mom,I miss you.
1270
01:08:49,875 --> 01:08:56,708
I miss you,Merry Christmas.
1271
01:08:56,708 --> 01:08:59,125
Merry Christmas.
1272
01:09:11,250 --> 01:09:13,125
Well, it all looks great.
1273
01:09:13,166 --> 01:09:14,958
Alex, we have a familytradition,
1274
01:09:15,000 --> 01:09:18,041
before we enjoy dinnerwe all like to share
1275
01:09:18,083 --> 01:09:20,083
what we're all thankful for.
1276
01:09:20,125 --> 01:09:22,875
If you feel like itI hope you join in.
1277
01:09:22,875 --> 01:09:25,541
I'll go first.
1278
01:09:25,583 --> 01:09:29,416
I'm thankful for sharingthis special time of year
1279
01:09:29,500 --> 01:09:32,583
with the three of you.
1280
01:09:32,625 --> 01:09:37,000
I'll go next, I am thankfulfor my beautiful family,
1281
01:09:37,041 --> 01:09:40,208
especially it's newestmember, Alex.
1282
01:09:42,750 --> 01:09:45,500
I'm grateful for my parents
1283
01:09:45,541 --> 01:09:49,875
who help me throughall the difficult times.
1284
01:09:49,875 --> 01:09:51,333
And my new iPad.
1285
01:09:55,583 --> 01:10:03,208
Umm, I'm thankful for havinga normal Christmas.
1286
01:10:08,541 --> 01:10:12,083
Well, okay, I like that,let's raise our glasses,
1287
01:10:12,166 --> 01:10:13,333
to a normal Christmas.
1288
01:10:13,375 --> 01:10:14,791
To a normal Christmas.
1289
01:10:19,333 --> 01:10:20,875
Okay, let's eat.
1290
01:10:20,916 --> 01:10:23,208
I'm starved.
1291
01:10:27,583 --> 01:10:29,541
But Mr. Bante, you didn'tneed to buy me a suit.
1292
01:10:29,541 --> 01:10:31,416
Alex, you're not going to weara t-shirt and jeans
1293
01:10:31,500 --> 01:10:33,125
to your high school graduation.
1294
01:10:33,208 --> 01:10:34,791
And what about yourcollege interviews?
1295
01:10:34,875 --> 01:10:35,791
It's too expensive.
1296
01:10:35,833 --> 01:10:38,125
Hey you let me worryabout that.
1297
01:10:41,291 --> 01:10:42,541
Hey!
1298
01:10:42,583 --> 01:10:44,000
You wanna go to promwith us?
1299
01:10:44,041 --> 01:10:44,791
Are you kidding?
1300
01:10:44,875 --> 01:10:46,458
No people go ingroups all the time--
1301
01:10:46,541 --> 01:10:47,666
Well, not everybody but...
1302
01:10:47,708 --> 01:10:49,333
Yeah, come on dude,it'll be a blast.
1303
01:10:49,375 --> 01:10:50,125
What's the theme again?
1304
01:10:50,208 --> 01:10:51,041
"It's a jungle out there."
1305
01:10:51,041 --> 01:10:54,083
Yeah, me Tarzan,she Jane, you Cheetah.
1306
01:10:54,125 --> 01:10:54,833
Very funny.
1307
01:10:54,875 --> 01:10:56,958
No seriously, will you go?
1308
01:10:57,000 --> 01:10:57,750
Sure.
1309
01:10:57,791 --> 01:10:59,041
Alright.
1310
01:11:05,750 --> 01:11:09,041
Well, how are you feelingabout your Harvard interview?
1311
01:11:09,083 --> 01:11:11,000
It's coming up,isn't' it?
1312
01:11:11,041 --> 01:11:16,875
31 hours and 14 minutes.
1313
01:11:16,958 --> 01:11:18,625
Don't worry you'll be fine.
1314
01:11:18,666 --> 01:11:20,833
Just remember,be yourself,
1315
01:11:20,875 --> 01:11:24,250
look 'em in the eye and givethem a firm handshake, okay?
1316
01:11:24,250 --> 01:11:25,291
Okay.
1317
01:11:25,333 --> 01:11:28,875
look 'em in the eye and givethe[cell phone ringing]okay?
1318
01:11:28,875 --> 01:11:31,500
Excuse me, Igotta take this.
1319
01:11:33,250 --> 01:11:34,541
There you go.
1320
01:11:34,583 --> 01:11:35,958
Mom calm down.
1321
01:11:37,083 --> 01:11:40,208
I can't understand you, okay?
1322
01:11:40,250 --> 01:11:41,375
Okay, don't worry about it;
1323
01:11:41,458 --> 01:11:43,791
I'll take care of it.
1324
01:12:00,375 --> 01:12:01,416
Thanks for coming.
1325
01:12:01,500 --> 01:12:02,583
I didn't know who elseto call.
1326
01:12:02,666 --> 01:12:04,833
Not a problem,what happened?
1327
01:12:04,875 --> 01:12:06,208
I don't know exactly.
1328
01:12:06,250 --> 01:12:07,416
I thought she was doing okay.
1329
01:12:07,500 --> 01:12:11,625
Now she's been evicted andnow she's back in the hospital.
1330
01:12:11,666 --> 01:12:12,916
Okay.
1331
01:12:33,916 --> 01:12:37,500
This is why I'm always afraidto let her back in my life.
1332
01:12:37,541 --> 01:12:39,375
Do the Bantes knowabout this?
1333
01:12:39,416 --> 01:12:40,833
I didn't wantto tell them.
1334
01:12:40,875 --> 01:12:43,750
Well, I'm pretty surethey'd want to help.
1335
01:13:04,583 --> 01:13:07,166
You okay Alex?
1336
01:13:07,208 --> 01:13:09,458
I should have beenthere for her.
1337
01:13:09,500 --> 01:13:11,000
I should have takencare of her.
1338
01:13:11,041 --> 01:13:12,333
You're just a kid.
1339
01:13:12,375 --> 01:13:14,375
You couldn't take careof her.
1340
01:13:14,375 --> 01:13:15,875
You need help.
1341
01:13:15,958 --> 01:13:17,333
You need to tell the Bantes.
1342
01:13:17,375 --> 01:13:18,666
Get them involved.
1343
01:13:18,708 --> 01:13:20,208
No, this is noneof their concern.
1344
01:13:20,291 --> 01:13:22,708
Yes, it is becauseyou're their concern.
1345
01:13:22,708 --> 01:13:24,708
That's the problem, Henry.
1346
01:13:24,750 --> 01:13:27,041
They want to help too much.
1347
01:13:27,083 --> 01:13:29,500
Because they care about you.
1348
01:13:29,541 --> 01:13:33,166
That's just the way momsand dads are, man.
1349
01:13:33,208 --> 01:13:35,375
I already have a mother.
1350
01:13:35,416 --> 01:13:40,458
Oh Alex, it's notthe Bantes fault
1351
01:13:40,500 --> 01:13:43,041
that your mom couldn'ttake care of you.
1352
01:13:43,125 --> 01:13:45,416
You gotta stop blaming them.
1353
01:13:45,500 --> 01:13:49,125
Everybody needs somebody.
1354
01:13:49,166 --> 01:13:52,750
Stop trying to act likeyou're different.
1355
01:13:56,250 --> 01:13:57,000
Alex, where have you been?
1356
01:13:57,041 --> 01:13:58,583
We've been worriedsick about you!
1357
01:13:58,666 --> 01:14:00,500
Are you alright?
1358
01:14:00,541 --> 01:14:03,000
It's my mom.
1359
01:14:05,375 --> 01:14:07,458
I need your help.
1360
01:14:11,666 --> 01:14:13,375
It's going to be okay.
1361
01:14:16,166 --> 01:14:17,208
She's in room 304.
1362
01:14:17,291 --> 01:14:18,833
We can go up anytime.
1363
01:14:18,875 --> 01:14:20,541
Do you want us to go inwith you?
1364
01:14:20,583 --> 01:14:24,041
Well, if you don't mindI'd like to go in alone.
1365
01:14:24,083 --> 01:14:26,000
Of course,we'll wait here.
1366
01:14:26,041 --> 01:14:28,416
Take as long as you want,okay?
1367
01:14:33,125 --> 01:14:36,166
Dr. Reynolds, you have a call at Nurse's station 2.
1368
01:14:36,208 --> 01:14:40,375
Dr. Reynolds, you have a call at Nurse's station 2.
1369
01:15:10,875 --> 01:15:12,541
Mom?
1370
01:15:26,375 --> 01:15:29,375
Sorry I never cameto see you.
1371
01:15:58,625 --> 01:16:01,333
I wrote to you.
1372
01:16:01,375 --> 01:16:03,041
I don't know whyI didn't send them
1373
01:16:03,125 --> 01:16:05,958
but I want you to havethem now.
1374
01:16:22,916 --> 01:16:25,875
I'm sorry abouteverything mom.
1375
01:16:35,708 --> 01:16:37,041
Alex.
1376
01:16:42,875 --> 01:16:44,375
Should we go talk to him?
1377
01:16:44,375 --> 01:16:45,083
Not right now.
1378
01:16:45,125 --> 01:16:45,875
He needs a little timeto deal
1379
01:16:45,958 --> 01:16:47,333
with whateverhappened back there.
1380
01:16:47,375 --> 01:16:51,916
His Harvard interviewis tomorrow.
1381
01:16:51,958 --> 01:16:53,916
Come on.
1382
01:16:57,708 --> 01:16:59,083
Come in.
1383
01:17:03,250 --> 01:17:04,958
I brought you somehot chocolate,
1384
01:17:05,000 --> 01:17:06,458
put little marshmallowsin it.
1385
01:17:06,500 --> 01:17:08,208
Jen likes it that way.
1386
01:17:08,250 --> 01:17:10,708
I thought maybeyou would too.
1387
01:17:10,750 --> 01:17:12,875
Thanks.
1388
01:17:12,916 --> 01:17:16,041
Here you go.
1389
01:17:16,083 --> 01:17:17,583
Anything else you need, Alex?
1390
01:17:17,625 --> 01:17:18,958
Anything at all?
1391
01:17:19,041 --> 01:17:20,833
No.
1392
01:17:22,291 --> 01:17:23,916
Okay.
1393
01:17:25,875 --> 01:17:29,083
I'm sorry Mrs. Bante.
1394
01:17:29,166 --> 01:17:30,833
Sorry for what?
1395
01:17:30,875 --> 01:17:34,000
You tried to do allthis nice stuff for me
1396
01:17:34,041 --> 01:17:35,875
and I couldn't handle it.
1397
01:17:35,875 --> 01:17:40,208
I wasn't used to it.
1398
01:17:40,250 --> 01:17:41,875
I know.
1399
01:17:41,916 --> 01:17:44,500
You thought I was tryingto take your mother's place.
1400
01:17:44,541 --> 01:17:48,375
You do all the thingsthat I needed her to do.
1401
01:17:48,416 --> 01:17:50,708
I feel guilty thinking thatyou were better at it
1402
01:17:50,708 --> 01:17:51,708
than she was.
1403
01:17:51,750 --> 01:17:55,041
Alex, your mother couldn'tgive you what you needed
1404
01:17:55,083 --> 01:18:00,583
but I know she triedas hard as she could.
1405
01:18:00,625 --> 01:18:02,125
How can you be so sure?
1406
01:18:02,208 --> 01:18:06,000
Because I know how mucha mother loves a child,
1407
01:18:06,041 --> 01:18:08,541
how much we wantto protect them.
1408
01:18:08,583 --> 01:18:09,708
And if we're unableto do that
1409
01:18:09,791 --> 01:18:13,708
it's because it's outof our control.
1410
01:18:13,750 --> 01:18:17,458
It's the worst feelingin the world.
1411
01:18:17,500 --> 01:18:22,666
I know your mother lovesyou Alex, I know it.
1412
01:18:22,708 --> 01:18:25,000
And so do I.
1413
01:18:34,333 --> 01:18:36,250
Rise and shine buddy,today's the big day.
1414
01:18:36,291 --> 01:18:38,291
Suzanne pressed your suit,picked out a tie,
1415
01:18:38,333 --> 01:18:41,208
and we're having French toastfor breakfast.
1416
01:19:08,041 --> 01:19:10,333
Alex, why aren't you dressed?
1417
01:19:10,375 --> 01:19:11,541
Yeah, your interviewis at 11:00.
1418
01:19:11,583 --> 01:19:13,708
It's all the wayacross town.
1419
01:19:13,750 --> 01:19:15,541
I'm not going.
1420
01:19:15,541 --> 01:19:17,708
What?
1421
01:19:17,791 --> 01:19:20,041
I mean, what's the point?
1422
01:19:20,083 --> 01:19:23,833
I've just been kidding myself.
1423
01:19:23,875 --> 01:19:26,250
Why would Harvardtake a kid like me?
1424
01:19:26,291 --> 01:19:28,041
I've been in and outof seven foster homes
1425
01:19:28,125 --> 01:19:29,333
and nothing ever works out
1426
01:19:29,375 --> 01:19:32,083
so why would this beany different?
1427
01:19:32,125 --> 01:19:34,000
I'll tell you why, Alex,
1428
01:19:34,041 --> 01:19:35,916
because you have a gift.
1429
01:19:35,958 --> 01:19:38,166
One that you inheritedfrom your mom,
1430
01:19:38,208 --> 01:19:40,291
and her of all peoplewould hate to see you
1431
01:19:40,333 --> 01:19:42,208
throw that gift away.
1432
01:19:42,250 --> 01:19:45,500
Did something happenat the hospital?
1433
01:19:45,541 --> 01:19:49,708
If you talk about itmaybe we can help.
1434
01:19:49,708 --> 01:19:51,375
Please.
1435
01:19:53,875 --> 01:19:57,916
When I was 10 and I sawher in the hospitaltfor the first time,
1436
01:19:58,000 --> 01:19:59,875
you know what really gotto me?
1437
01:19:59,875 --> 01:20:01,791
It was her hands.
1438
01:20:01,833 --> 01:20:04,125
At the time I calledthem her alligator hand
1439
01:20:04,166 --> 01:20:06,541
because she had themcurled up tight
1440
01:20:06,583 --> 01:20:10,875
against her chestlike this.
1441
01:20:10,958 --> 01:20:15,250
I saw those same hands againlast night.
1442
01:20:15,291 --> 01:20:19,458
After all these yearsnothing's changed.
1443
01:20:19,500 --> 01:20:20,541
She's never goingto get better
1444
01:20:20,583 --> 01:20:22,375
and it's always goingto be the same.
1445
01:20:22,416 --> 01:20:24,500
You can't give into that.
1446
01:20:26,875 --> 01:20:28,291
But what if I end uplike my mother?
1447
01:20:28,333 --> 01:20:31,208
Alex, that is not goingto happen.
1448
01:20:31,250 --> 01:20:33,208
I just wanted her to tell meI could do it.
1449
01:20:33,250 --> 01:20:36,041
She knows you can do it.
1450
01:20:36,083 --> 01:20:38,916
And so do we.
1451
01:20:39,000 --> 01:20:40,666
You know what, Alex,
1452
01:20:40,708 --> 01:20:45,708
we haven't asked a lot of youbut we're asking now.
1453
01:20:45,708 --> 01:20:48,333
Go upstairs,put that suit on
1454
01:20:48,375 --> 01:20:51,541
and let's get youto that interview.
1455
01:21:04,541 --> 01:21:07,875
Firm handshake, right?
1456
01:21:07,875 --> 01:21:10,833
That's right.
1457
01:21:26,916 --> 01:21:28,916
Alex Chivescu?
1458
01:21:29,000 --> 01:21:30,833
How do you do?
1459
01:21:30,875 --> 01:21:34,875
Please come on up,we've got lots to talk about.
1460
01:22:21,375 --> 01:22:22,541
Well, how'd it go?
1461
01:22:22,583 --> 01:22:24,500
I gave it my best shot.
1462
01:22:24,541 --> 01:22:25,833
That's my boy.
1463
01:22:25,875 --> 01:22:27,916
Come on.
1464
01:22:37,416 --> 01:22:39,416
Jim, it's here!
1465
01:22:41,875 --> 01:22:42,708
It's here?
1466
01:22:42,708 --> 01:22:45,583
Yeah.
1467
01:22:45,625 --> 01:22:47,666
It's hereNow before I open this,
1468
01:22:47,708 --> 01:22:49,791
there's a couple thingsI want to say.
1469
01:22:49,875 --> 01:22:50,875
Okay.
1470
01:22:50,916 --> 01:22:55,041
First, I respect you bothMr. and Mrs. Bante,
1471
01:22:55,083 --> 01:22:58,083
more than anyone elseI've ever known.
1472
01:22:58,166 --> 01:23:04,041
Second, I used to thinkthat this was everything.
1473
01:23:04,041 --> 01:23:06,750
Now I still hope I get in
1474
01:23:06,750 --> 01:23:08,791
but if I don't I'll gosomewhere else
1475
01:23:08,875 --> 01:23:13,541
because the thing is I alreadyhave what matters most,I get in
1476
01:23:16,083 --> 01:23:17,458
a family.
1477
01:23:24,500 --> 01:23:27,000
Alex, open it.
1478
01:23:49,250 --> 01:23:50,291
I made it.
1479
01:23:50,375 --> 01:23:52,583
What?
1480
01:23:52,666 --> 01:23:53,833
I made it!!!!!!!
1481
01:23:53,875 --> 01:23:55,666
Yeah!!!!!!
1482
01:23:55,708 --> 01:23:57,375
He's going to Harvard!
1483
01:23:57,416 --> 01:23:59,666
I gotta call Jen and Lucyand Danny!
1484
01:23:59,708 --> 01:24:01,208
Go, go, go!
1485
01:24:01,208 --> 01:24:02,458
He did it, Jim!
1486
01:24:02,541 --> 01:24:03,708
No, we did it.
1487
01:24:05,208 --> 01:24:06,166
That's good, right I got this.
1488
01:24:06,208 --> 01:24:08,000
Okay squeeze in you guys, squeeze in.
1489
01:24:08,041 --> 01:24:10,708
Alright Eagle Creek gradssay 2009.
1490
01:24:10,708 --> 01:24:13,000
2009!
1491
01:24:13,041 --> 01:24:14,875
That's good that's good,one more,
1492
01:24:14,916 --> 01:24:16,458
one more, 2009.
1493
01:24:16,541 --> 01:24:18,541
2009!
1494
01:24:27,708 --> 01:24:29,375
Oh man!
1495
01:24:33,208 --> 01:24:34,083
I don't believe it,
1496
01:24:34,166 --> 01:24:35,750
I'll be right back.
1497
01:24:38,166 --> 01:24:39,875
I can't believe youguys came!
1498
01:24:39,875 --> 01:24:41,708
My man, of coursewe came!
1499
01:24:41,791 --> 01:24:43,958
We couldn't missthis party!
1500
01:24:45,208 --> 01:24:47,541
Listen, you need any helpwith that college algebra
1501
01:24:47,583 --> 01:24:48,708
you know who to call.
1502
01:24:48,791 --> 01:24:50,041
Yeah, how've you been,Carlos?
1503
01:24:50,083 --> 01:24:50,916
I'm good.
1504
01:24:50,916 --> 01:24:52,958
I'm working, goingto community college
1505
01:24:53,000 --> 01:24:53,583
Yeah?I'm good.
1506
01:24:53,666 --> 01:24:54,875
Taking classes in welding.
1507
01:24:54,958 --> 01:24:57,208
You 'otta see this guywith a blowtorch.
1508
01:24:57,250 --> 01:24:58,125
I'm awesome.
1509
01:24:58,208 --> 01:25:00,166
Yeah, I bet you are.
1510
01:25:03,125 --> 01:25:06,708
Um, excuse me.
1511
01:25:15,541 --> 01:25:18,541
I am so proud of you.
1512
01:25:18,583 --> 01:25:20,375
Thank you.
1513
01:25:20,458 --> 01:25:22,500
Thanks for coming, mom.
1514
01:25:22,541 --> 01:25:25,875
I wouldn't missthis for the world.
1515
01:25:28,041 --> 01:25:29,833
I read your letters,
1516
01:25:29,875 --> 01:25:33,625
It really means a lot to methat you wrote them.
1517
01:25:33,666 --> 01:25:35,541
I'm sorry I nevermailed them.
1518
01:25:35,625 --> 01:25:38,083
No, Alex I'm sorry.
1519
01:25:38,083 --> 01:25:41,208
I'm so very sorryyou had to go through
1520
01:25:41,291 --> 01:25:44,250
Noeverything you went through.
1521
01:25:44,333 --> 01:25:47,416
It wasn't your fault, mom.
1522
01:25:47,500 --> 01:25:50,041
Thanks for that.
1523
01:25:50,083 --> 01:25:56,375
Anyway, I got you something.
1524
01:25:56,458 --> 01:26:00,208
This is on loan until you getone of your own from Harvard,
1525
01:26:00,291 --> 01:26:04,583
and I know you will.
1526
01:26:04,625 --> 01:26:12,666
I just want you to knowthat whatever I become,
1527
01:26:12,708 --> 01:26:15,791
whatever I achieveis because of you.
1528
01:26:18,375 --> 01:26:20,416
I love you mom.
1529
01:26:20,458 --> 01:26:22,541
I love you too.
1530
01:26:24,208 --> 01:26:26,875
Congratulations.
99910
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